Lipase-assisted generation of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furfurylthiol from thioacetates.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of S-3-(2-methylfuryl) thioacetate and S-2-furfuryl thioacetate using lipase from Candida rugosa produced 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furfurylthiol, respectively. When reactions were carried out at room temperature and pH 5.8, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol was produced in a optimal yield of 88% after 15 min of reaction, whereas 2-furfurylthiol was obtained in a yield of 80% after 1 h of reaction time. Enzymatic hydrolysis was also performed in n-hexane, n-pentane, and water/propylene glycol mixture. The reaction rates in these media were slower as compared to those in aqueous medium; however, the reaction yields were quite similar. As expected, the stability of the generated 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furfurylthiol was better in n-hexane, n-pentane, and the water/propylene glycol mixture as compared to that in water or phosphate buffer.