Solvent-Free Production\nof High-Value Amphipathic\nEsters Derived from Byproduct Streams of Biomass Processing

The use of biomass-derived precursors to produce high-value\nproducts\neconomically and sustainably is a current global goal. This study\naimed to use two byproduct streams of biomass processingfree\nfatty acids from vegetable oils and fusel oil (FO) from bioethanol\nproductionto produce isoamyl esters. Operational conditions\nof esterification reactions were systematically studied, and homogeneous\nacid catalysts were tested in contrast to an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica. The lipase yielded esters free\nof byproducts at final conversions above 76% after 100 min, and its\nactivity was fully maintained after 5 reuse cycles. A stable emulsion\nof a typical cosmetic preparation was obtained with the unpurified\nreaction product generated by a blend of free fatty acids with 64.98%\nstearic acid and 28.77% palm acid and untreated FO with a water content\nof 26%. Therefore, FO emerged as a green and inexpensive raw material\nto produce emulsifiers.