Lipase Catalysis in Ionic Liquids and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide at 150 °C

Abstract
Free and immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B dispersed in ionic liquids (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bistriflimide and 1‐buthyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bistriflimide) were used as catalyst for the continuous kinetic resolution of rac‐1‐phenylethanol in supercritical carbon dioxide at 120 and 150 °C and 10 MPa. Excellent activity, stability and enantioselectivity levels were recorded in continuous operation.