CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF DL-SERINE AND GLYCINE FROM GLYCEROL

DL-serine (DL-Ser), glycine (Gly), serinol (SerOH) and related compounds were catalytically derived from glycerol (GLY). Catalytic oxidation in the presence of ammonia of GLY, followed by hydrogen treatment over noble metals, to achieve direct synthesis of amino acids is not practical. Reductive amination over an Ru-Pd/C catalyst of glyceric acid, one of the oxidation products of GLY, was effective for DL-Ser synthesis. Gly was catalytically formed from DL-Ser by dehydrogenation and decarbonylation in hydrogen atmosphere. Catalytic oxidation of SerOH prepared by reductive amination over an Rh-Pd/C catalyst of dihydroxyacetone, another oxidation product of GLY, was also effective for DL-Ser synthesis. A new route for DL-Ser and Gly from GLY is presented. DL-alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid also formed, depending on reaction conditions.