Beta-Alanine → Beta-Alanine

Participants

Reaction Steps

Briefly the instant process is based on the discovery that the hydrolysis of beta-amino propionitrile with aqueous potassium hydroxide followed by sulfuric acid conversion of the potassium salt of beta alanine produces free beta alanine and insoluble potassium sulfate, the entrained portions of which, amounting to about 10% by weight, do not interfere with the subsequent conversion to calcium beta alanate, provided essentially anhydrous conditions are maintained. And, quite unexpectedly the presence of the potassium sulfate impurities does not interfere with the subsequent reaction of the pantoyl lactone to produce relatively pure calcium pantothenate (dl). Furthermore, the reactions are carried out using ordinary stainless steel or steel equipment, using inexpensive materials and no complicated purification or resin treatment steps are necessary.

Provenance & Evidence