Response surface methodology for optimization of enzymatic acylation of (R)‐(‒)‐linalool application to essential oils

Abstract The essential oils of Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) and Tropical Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) are characteristically high in both linalool and linalyl acetate esters, key constituents determining essential oil (EO) quality and activity. The enrichment of these products in linalyl acetate has a great interest in the industry. Herein, we report the production of linalyl acetate using the free lipase PPL as a catalyst in a solvent‐free medium. Parametric studies referring response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to optimize the conversion. The optimal experimental condition for ( R )‐linalool acylation (temperature at 60°C, catalyst amount at 150 mg, volume of acetic anhydride at 1 mL, and reaction time at 5 days) was obtained from an experimental design analysis. Under these conditions, the enzymatic acylation was carried out for both pure linalool , Lavandula angustifolia and O. basilicum essential oils as substrates. 24.94% conversion of pure linalool to linalyl acetate was obtained; however, essential oils gave lower conversions (conv = 13%).