Process for the Preparation of Cathin

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a two-step process for synthesizing (1S,2S)-norpseudoephedrine (cathine), a compound of the ephedra alkaloid class. The process uses an S-selective transaminase to transform 1-phenylpropane-1,2-dione into (S)-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one in the first step, and then an S-selective alcohol dehydrogenase to reduce this intermediate to cathine in the second step. Both enzymes can be used as purified proteins or via genetically engineered bacteria, such as E. coli, expressing these enzymes. The method is straightforward, efficient, and results in high chemical and optical purity.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial-scale production of cathine for use in pharmaceuticals (e.g., stimulants, appetite suppressants, circulatory system agents)
• Manufacture of enantiomerically pure cathine for research and development in medicinal chemistry
• Production of synthetic cathine as an alternative to extraction from natural plant sources
• Use in the synthesis of related alkaloid compounds where chiral purity is important

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High enantiomeric and diastereomeric purity (>99%), ensuring a pure, active product
• Two-step process is simple, efficient, and cost-effective compared to multi-step syntheses or expensive starting materials
• Can utilize commercially available substrates and enzymes, or recombinant bacteria, making it scalable for industrial application
• Reduces the need for laborious purification or isolation steps compared to traditional methods
• Suitable for both in vitro and in vivo production, increasing flexibility and adaptability
• Environmentally friendly due to the use of biocatalysis rather than harsh chemical methods
• Easy process scale-up for large-scale (industrial) manufacturing

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing cathine, wherein 1-phenylpropane-1-2-dione according to formula (1) is reacted with an S-selective transaminase in order to form (S)-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one according to formula (2) in a first step and the (S)-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-one according to formula (2) is reduced by means of an (S)-selective alcohol dehydrogenase in order to form (1S,2S)-norpseudoephedrine (cathine) according to formula (3) in a second step.