Methods for the purification of L-glufosinate

US11634442B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Stephen Craig Fields · Baltimore, US
• Matthew Richard Oberholzer · Wilmington, US
• Brian Michael Green · Timonium, US
• Samir Kulkarni · East Lyme, US
• Jennifer Nelson · Brookline, US
• Patricia Andres · West Lafayette, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2018
• Grant date: Apr 25, 2023
• Expiry date: Jun 20, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D15/34
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Compositions and methods for isolating L-glufosinate from a composition comprising L-glufosinate and glutamate are provided. The method comprises converting the glutamate to pyroglutamate followed by the isolation of L-glufosinate from the pyroglutamate and other components of the composition to obtain substantially purified L-glufosinate. The composition comprising L-glufosinate and glutamate is subjected to an elevated temperature for a sufficient time to allow for the conversion of glutamate to pyroglutamate, followed by the isolation of L-glufosinate from the pyroglutamate and other components of the composition to obtain substantially purified L-glufosinate. The glutamate alternatively may be converted to pyroglutamate by enzymatic conversion. The purified L-glufosinate is present in a final composition at a concentration of 90% or greater of the sum of L-glufosinate, glutamate, and pyroglutamate. In some embodiments, a portion of the glutamate in the starting composition may be separated from the L-glufosinate using a crystallization step. Solid forms of L-glufosinate materials, including crystalline L-glufosinate ammonium, are also described.