A novel process for enzymatic synthesis of N-lauroyl-β-amino propionitrile using packed bed reactor coupled with on-line separation

Abstract

N-Lauroyl-β-amino propionitrile is an intermediate for synthesis of sodium N-lauroyl-β-alanine, an antimicrobial surfactant. We provide a novel process for enzymatic synthesis of N-lauroyl-β-amino propionitrile, using a cascade connection of an enzyme packed bed reactor (EPBR) with a crystallization separator for on-line separation. The substrate solution was fed to the reactor inlet. High-purity crystal product was obtained from the separator outlet with a yield of 91.7% under the optimum conditions. The immobilized lipase can be utilized repeatedly. The solvent and unreacted substrates were recovered and reused on-line.