Biocatalytic production of chiral intermediates

Optically active intermediates are gaining more and more importance in the live science industry for the production of drugs and agrochemicals. Through the last decade many methods for the production of enantiomeric pure intermediates have been developed. This contribution describes the efforts of BASF to produce small optically active molecules. Various biocatalytic routes for the production of single isomers of active carboxylic acids, amines and alcohols have been developed successfully. Some of these products are already produced in existing facilities on a multi ton scale. The paper will mainly focus on BASF's new process for the production of optically active primary amines. A new dedicated plant for the production of optically active amines, which complies with the current good manufacturing practice (cgmp) guidelines, is expected to come on stream in the fil-st quarter of 2001. The technology applied therein, gives access to broad range of chiral amines and allows a flexible adjustment to customer's rime goals.