THE SYNTHESIS OF D,L-ALANINE AND D,L-PHENYLALANINE BY WAY OF THE CORRESPONDING HYDANTOINS

Abstract

D,L-Alanine was prepared in an 80% over-all yield by heating lactonitrile with ammonium carbonate to give 5-methylhydantoin, and hydrolyzing the latter with barium hydroxide into the free amino acid. D,L-Phenylalanine was likewise prepared from phenylacetaldehyde, by way of the bisulphite addition compound and 5-benzylhydantoin, followed by hydrolysis. A 40% over-all yield of the amino acid was obtained.