Synthesis of hydrocinnamic esters by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase

Lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia was used to prepare esters of hydrocinnamic acid by direct esterification of the carboxylic acid in good yields (70-83%). For some esters, transesterification gave better yields (92%). Optimization of the reaction conditions resulted in a dramatic increase in the yield of the product ester. The role of solvents was studied. Notably, cinnamic acid esters are not formed under these conditions. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.