Continuous synthesis of alkyl ferulate by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase at high temperature.

1-Pentyl, 1-hexyl and 1-heptyl ferulates were continuously synthesized at 60-90 degrees C using a reactor system in which a column packed with ferulic acid powders and another column packed with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase particles were connected in series. Conversions greater than 0.9 were achieved for the synthesis of the 1-hexyl and 1-heptyl ferulates at 90 degrees C. The system could be stably operated for the 1-heptyl ferulate synthesis at 90 degrees C for at least two weeks.