Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkylglycoside ester of C.sub.4 -C.sub.24 fatty acids, the reactants are first formed into a stable micro-emulsion before they are contacted with an enzyme catalyst. The stable micro-emulsion is prepared, using a surface-active material, which is preferably the alkylglycoside ester formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing an ester from an alcohol and fatty acid (glyceride) by enzyme-catalyzed conversion, in which a fatty acid (glyceride) and alcohol are contacted with lipase and the alcohol is added at such a rate that the alcohol concentration in the reaction mixture is kept below a molar ratio of 0.5 moles of alcohol per mole of fatty acid/acyl group, preferably below 0.25. The alcohol is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alcohol, preferably a monohydric alcohol. The fatty acid is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.24 fatty acid, preferably a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 fatty acid. Preferably, water of reaction is removed while esterification progresses.

Abstract: Organic compounds susceptible to hydrolysis are prepared by reaction in a water-immiscible organic liquid in contact with an enzyme activated with water to catalyze the reaction and desiccant means to lower the water activity of the dispersion from which the reaction products are recovered. The enzyme may be a lipase to catalyze an interesterification process and the desiccant means may be immersed in the dispersion to remove water in the liquid phase or in the headspace above the dispersion to remove water vapor.

Abstract: In a continuous interesterification process a fatty acid ester reactant, preferably a glyceride and optionally including free fatty acid, is contacted with an enzyme as interesterification catalyst which is preferably 1,3-selective and precipitated on an inert particulate support. The catalyst is packed in a fixed bed with contact times less than 2 hours which are sufficient to effect interesterification. The process is useful for producing POSt- and StOSt-rich fats suitable for use as cocoa butter substitute fats.

Abstract: In a continuous interesterification process a fatty acid ester reactant, preferably a glyceride and optionally including free fatty acid, is contacted with an enzyme as interesterification catalyst which is preferably 1,3-selective and precipitated on an inert particulate support. The catalyst is packed in a fixed bed with contact times less than 2 hours which are sufficient to effect interesterification. The process is useful for producing POSt- and StOSt-rich fats suitable for use as cocoabutter substitute fats.

Abstract: A process for the interesterification of oils and fats comprising treating said oils and fats with water-soluble microbial lipase enzyme is disclosed.