Method for the racemization of enantiomers of .alpha.-lipoic acid

US5621117A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Asta Medica Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Horst Bethge · Hanau, DE
• Roland Moeller · Hammersbach, DE
• Gerhard Sator · Dieburg, DE
• Stefan Merget · Rodgau, DE
• Thomas Beisswenger · Radebeul, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 1995
• Grant date: Apr 15, 1997
• Expiry date: Jul 20, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61P43/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Method for the conversion of the enantiomers of .alpha.-lipoic acid into the corresponding racemic mixture by racemizing the .alpha.-lipoic acid (pure optical isomers of .alpha.-lipoic acid or mixtures of optical isomers of .alpha.-lipoic acid wherein one of the optical isomers is present in excess) at temperatures of between 110.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. at pressures of from normal pressure up to 50 bar for a reaction time of 10 to 48 hours.