Patent ID: 6156544
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: C12P

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid (NANA), said process comprising the steps of:1. converting N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) to N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (NAM) by base-catalyzed epimerization to yield an equilibrium mixture of NAG/NAM;2. selectively removing NAG from the equilibrium mixture;3. reacting NAM with pyruvate in the presence of NANA aldolase; and4. isolating the thus-produced NANA, by crystallization from the reaction mixture;wherein the pyruvate:NAM starting molar ratio for step 3 is about 1.5:1 to 2.5:1.