PROCESS FOR RACEMIZING OPTICALLY ACTIVE .alpha.-AMINO ACIDS OR A SALT THEREOF

摘要

The invention relates to a method of racemizing an optically active .alpha.-amino acid or salt thereof. This is achieved by contacting a DL-.alpha.-amino acid or a salt thereof with an aliphatic acid and an aldehyde. The method takes place at relatively low temperature and relatively high yield, so can be used as a step in the method of converting a useless optical isomer into a useful one.