Synthesis of cheaper resolving agent, <i>N</i>-alkyl glucamines: Some aspects of process development

Abstract

Reductive amination of <i>D</i>-glucose was studied from the view point of process research and development to synthesize <i>N</i>-alkyl glucamines which are recently used as the resolving agent for racemic modifications of products containing carboxylic acids. Different amines like methyl amine, ethyl amine and butyl amines were taken as the aminating agent and

Raney nickel was used as the catalyst. At a temperature of 85°C and a hydrogen pressure of 95 atm, 97% selectivity was achieved at a glucose conversion level of 92%.