PREPARATION PROCESS OF .ALPHA.-ASPARTYL-L-PHENYLALANINE METHYL ESTER

摘要

.alpha.-L-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (.alpha.-APM) is prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (Z .alpha.-APM). The catalytic hydrogenation is conducted in an aqueous suspension containing the Z-.alpha.-APM in the form of particles whose average particle size is not greater than 800 .mu.m. The starting Z-.alpha.-APM may contain up to 30 wt.% of its .beta.-isomer provided that the process additionally includes recrystallization of the .alpha.-APM, collection of the .alpha.-APM by filtration and recycling of the filtrate for use in the aqueous suspension of Z-.alpha.-APM.