Crystallization of alpha-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl esther

摘要

Disclosed is a method of crystallizing alpha -L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, which is a sweetening agent substituting sugar and commonly referred to as aspartame. An aspartame solution is gradually cooled by heat exchanging with a coolant passing by with each other in the opposite direction. This enables that the heat-exchange between the aspartame solution and the coolant occurs at small and almost constant temperature difference. The cooling crystallization with such small temperature difference provides coarse and uniform aspartame crystals. Also, the aspartame solution is forcedly stirred such that crystals and crystal lumps formed are not re-dissolved or broken down. The forced stir of the solution makes the crystals and the lumps be suspended in the solution, which prevents formation of scales on any surfaces.