Lipase-mediated epoxidation of α-pinene

This work describes the lipase-mediated synthesis of alpha-pinene oxide at ambient temperature. The immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435) is used to generate peroxyoctanoic acid directly from octanoic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxy acid formed is then applied I for in situ oxidation of alpha-pinene. High conversion of alpha-pinene to alpha-pinene oxide (approximately 70%) was achieved when using a two-phase system of toluene and water. Various parameters affecting the conversion of alpha-pinene to alpha-pinene oxide were studied. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.