A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CARNITINE FROM BETA-LACTONES

摘要

The invention relates to a method for the production of L-carnitine, wherein a &bgr;-lactone, which is a 4-(halomethyl)oxetane-2-one, is converted into carnitine with trimethylamine (TMA), wherein the &bgr;-lactone is not subjected to a basic hydrolysis step before being contacted with the trimethylamine. The invention also relates to a carnitine having a unique impurity profile.