Preparation, Characterization, and Enantioselectivity of Polyacrylate Microcapsules Entrapping Ananas comosus Extract

Biocatalysts are complex compounds of an enzymatic nature that can catalyze various chemical processes through diverse interactions. They are found in microorganisms, plants, and animals, and they have an essential role in processes related to green chemistry and sustainability. This research aimed to analyze pineapple peels (Ananas comosus L.) as a catalyst in the esterification reaction of rac-butan-2-ol, using acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate as acetylating agents. In order to do so, the methods used were divided into five stages: (i) Collection of pineapple cases; (ii). Immobilization of enzymes; (iii) Bioesterification reactions via enzyme; (iv) Elucidation of the data collected by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry); and (v) Factorial Planning (execution of 4 steps again, but varying some factors determining the reaction in search of the best rational option). After statistical treatment, using different acetylating agents, two products were used: acetylated 2-butanol, with 74% maximum conversion; and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentan-2-one, obtaining 86%. It should be noticed that the 74% yield of maximum conversion of rac-butan-2-ol to 2-acetoxybutane was used using Factor Planning 2(3). It was concluded, then. that the immobilized enzymes of pineapple peels were efficient in the analysis of bioesterification and that these are sustainable alternatives for synthetic organic chemistry, seeing that it benefits from the inherent potential of natural sources.