IMPROVED PROCESS FOR CONVERTING NITRILES TO CARBOXYLIC ACIDS USING NITRILASE

摘要

This invention relates to an improved process for preparing a carboxylic acid from the corresponding nitrile using a nitrilase catalyst. More particularly, the instant invention converts 2-methylglutaronitrile to 4-cyanopentanoic acid in aqueous solution using an enzyme catalyst having an nitrilase activity, immobilized in alginate, and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and polyethylenimine.