The opioid epidemic has caused an increased interest in alternative pain management such as cannabidiol (CBD) because it can be metabolized effectively through many routes including inhalation, ingestion, and topical application. Topical application of CBD products traditionally requires the use of carrier oils due to the texture and concentration of CBD oil but common carriers tend to leave a greasy residue, and they do not absorb quickly into the skin. Hence, pharmaceutical companies are exploring various ways to administer CBDs such as high efficiency transdermal absorption. The study described in this presentation investigated the synthesis of lauryl lactate, an alpha hydroxyl acid that can aid in the trans-dermal absorption of CBDs into the skin. This study was undertaken as a part of a summer apprenticeship program known as the <i>Bridgewater Early Apprenticeship Microcosm</i> (BEAM) between Bridgewater State University and Chemic Laboratories. Briefly describing, high purity lauryl lactate was produced via an enzymatic transesterification of dodecanol and ethyl lactate using Novozym 435 because lipases such as Novozym 435 hydrolyze fatty acids at the ester bonds, but they can also be used to catalyze transesterification under appropriate reaction conditions. To optimize the yield and purity of lauryl lactate various method modifications such as enzyme loading, lot numbers of ethyl lactate, molar ratio of ethyl lactate to dodecanol, batch size, and pressure were explored. After compiling data from each of these variations and their effect on purity of the final product, the reaction was scaled up into a 500 mL jacketed reactor and then to a 5 L reactor. This presentation will describe the results of this project along with author’s educational experiences as a student apprentice at Chemic Laboratories.

Synthesis of high purity lauryl lactate as an emollient for high efficiency transdermal absorption: Industrial-academic internship partnership

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.