Synthesis and characterization of arabinose-palmitic acid esters by enzymatic esterification.

[Display omitted] • Esters of palmitic acid with L(+) arabinose have been synthesized. • The synthesis is catalysed by a lipase, therefore environmentally friendly. • Only the primary hydroxyl group is esterified. • Both reagents are from renewable source. The direct esterification of palmitic acid with l -(+)-arabinose has been carried out. The use of Candida antartica lipase B as the catalyst and the choice of suitable solvent and experimental conditions allowed carrying out the reaction successfully. In particular 10% dimethyl-sulfoxide in tert -butanol was found to be the optimal solvent. The product has been fully characterized by means of FTIR, ESI-MS, DSC, mono and bidimensional 1H and 13C NMR. These techniques confirm that only the primary alcoholic group was involved in the esterification reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]