• KSBB Journal
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.543-548
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• 2002

The enantioselective esterification of racemic ibuprofen catalyzed by a Candida rugosa lipase was studied according to reaction conditions such as a lipase concentration, reaction temperature, alcohol chain length and alcohol concentration. The S-(+)-ibuprofen alkyl esters prepared were converted to S-(+)-ibuprofen by hydrolysis with sulfuric acid as a catalyst. High conversions in the esterifications were obtained at 60$^{\circ}C$ and an equimolar ratio of octanol to ibuprofen. The initial reaction rate of the esterification decreased with increasing octanol concentration. Conversion and initial reaction rate increased with increasing alcohol chain length. Values of enantiomeric excess(ee) according to esterification reaction conditions did not change below 60$^{\circ}C$. On the other hand, values of conversion and ee for the chemical hydrolysis of S-(+)-ibuprofen alkyl esters were independent of alcohol alkyl chain length. Optical resolution of racemic ibuprofen was achieved by lipase catalyzed esterification and chemical hydrolysis. The separation method provided a high yield and enantioselectivity for the production of S-(+)-ibuprofen from racemic ibuprofen.