Green Production of a High-Value Branched-Chain Diester: Optimization Based on Operating Conditions and Economic and Sustainability Criteria

Branched-chain esters (BCEs) have found a large number of applications in cosmetics. Among them, neopentyl glycol dilaurate (NPGDL) stands out as an emollient, emulsifier, and skin-conditioning agent. This work presents the synthesis NPGDL solvent-free medium using two most common immobilized lipases: Novozym® 40086 (Rml) 435 (CalB). Results proved that former biocatalyst has lower activity certain temperature deactivation, although conversions ≥ 90% were obtained at 60 °C 7.5% catalyst. On other hand, optimal reaction conditions for are 3.75% w/w derivative 80 °C. Under conditions, process productivities 0.105 0.169 kg NPGDL/L h, respectively. In order to select best production, studies on reuse cost estimation been performed. Economic study shows biocatalytic processes can be competitive when lipases reused five cycles, yielding 56 122 NPGDL/kg 435, The final choice will based both economic sustainability criteria. Green metric values biocatalysts similar but product is 20% cheaper, making this alternative option.