Process for producing L-carnitine from beta-lactones employing lipases

摘要

Subject of the invention is a process for the production of L-carnitine, wherein a ²-lactone, which is a 4-(halomethyl)oxetane-2-one, is converted into L-carnitine, wherein the process comprises an enzymatic conversion of the ²-lactone into (R)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid or (R)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid ester.