Production of linear unsaturated amides, e.g. useful as caprolactam intermediates, comprises treating the corresponding nitriles with a nitrile hydratase

摘要

Production of linear unsaturated amides containing 3-8 carbon (C) atoms comprises treating a linear unsaturated nitrile (I) containing 3-8 C atoms with a nitrile hydratase (N.B. (I) is disclosed as having 3-8 C atoms in addition to the nitrile group and thus excludes acrylonitrile; see EP307926). An Independent claim is also included for the production of linear unsaturated carboxylic acids containing 3-8 C atoms by treating (I) with either: (a) a nitrile hydratase and then an amidase; or (b) an enzyme preparation having nitrile hydratase and amidase activity.