Patent ID: 6172221
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
An aqueous extraction process comprising the steps of:a) contacting at speed a stream of substantially water imiscible organic solvent containing a water-soluble organic solute which is a beta-lactam antibiotic selected from a penicillin, cephalosporin and clavulanic acid, as the free acid or a labile derivative or a salt thereof, with a stream of an aqueous medium in a first mixing region, such that a substantial portion of the solute passes from the organic solvent into the aqueous medium in the first mixing region; andb) physically separating the organic solvent and aqueous phases during a separation step;provided that if the solute is an amine salt of clavulanic acid which is formed in situ in the first mixing region then the amine salt is formed by reaction between clavulanic acid or a labile derivative thereof and an amine.