| abstract |
The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of neotame by successively: (a) subjecting a mixture of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester and 3,3-dimethylbutyraldehyde in solution to hydrogenation in a homogeneous methanolic solvent, in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst; (b) separating the catalyst from the solution as a solid substance; (c) removing a portion, at least, of the organic part of the solvent through evaporation and optionally adding an amount of water before and/or during and/or after that evaporation and (d) separating the solid neotame formed, optionally after cooling of the system thus obtained, from the remaining liquid and drying it. |