The Monosodium Glutamate Story: The Commercial Production of MSG and Other Amino Acids

Abstract

Examples of the industrial synthesis of pure amino acids are presented. The emphasis is on the synthesis of (S)-glutamic acid and, to a lesser extent, (S)-lysine and (R,S)-methionine. These amino acids account for about 90% of the total world production of amino acids, (S)-glutamic acid being used as a flavor-enhancing additive (MSG) for the human diet, and (S)-lysine and (R,S)-methionine as supplements for the feeding of domestic animals. Examples include chemical, enzymatic, and fermentation synthesis, and two clever continuous processes for the resolution of enantiomers.