The synthesis of monopentadecanoin, a product for cosmetic applications is shown
schematically in Figure 20. Of importance from a practical point of view is the fact
that unpurified technical fatty acid mixtures can be used directly (Figure 21), leading
to the corresponding monoglycerides in high yields and excellent chemical purities.
It is interesting to note that for the conversion of triglycerides (Figure 22) and
natural fats and oils into regioisomerically pure 1(3)-monoglycerides, nonspecific
lipases are best suited. Clearly, all acyl groups should be usable by the biocatalysts
employed, also those in thesn-2-positions of triglycerides.
The conversion of natural coconut oil or palm kernel oil leads to mixtures of the
corresponding monoglycerides in high yields and purities, without the need for
6.5 Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of isomerically pure 1(3)-monoglycerides 111
Figure 20. Synthesis of Monopentadecanoin.
Figure 21. Monoglycerides from technical fatty acid mixtures.
Figure 22. Monoglycerides by glycerolysis of triglycerides.
Figure 23. Monoglycerides by glycerolysis of native oils.