| abstract |
Lactams, for example 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA), may be prepared by enzymatic conversion of a first compound, for example penicillin-G in a solvent mixture comprising water and a non-aqueous organic solvent, especially 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. The 6-APA can be caused to precipitate, isolated by filtration and optionally derivatised to produce a desired compound. A by-product of the enzymatic conversion; phenylacetic acid, can be isolated by solvent extraction, suitably using a solvent which also comprises 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. |