Vitamin Lonza process

Similarly, DuPont employs a nitrile hydratase (as whole cells of P. chlororaphis B23) to convert adiponitrile to 5-cyanovaleramide, a herbicide intermediate [122]. In the Lonza nitrotinamide (vitamin B6) process [123] the final step (Fig. 1.42) involves the nitrile hydratase (whole cells of Rh. rhodocrous) catalysed hydration of 3-cyanopyridine. Here again the very high product purity is a major advantage as conventional chemical hydrolysis affords a product contaminated with nicotinic acid, which requires expensive purification to meet the specifications of this vitamin. 

Figure 2.21 Reaction scheme of the Lonza process for the synthesis of vitamin B3 (niacinamide).

This chapter discusses the fulfillment of the requirements for a green process, together with the importance of the nicotinate vitamin B3. Lonza s contribution to green chemistry is then illustrated by its processes for producing nicotinates. The current niacinamide process running is China employs no fewer than six basic principles of green-sustainable chemistry. 

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