Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing efficiently glutamic acid derivatives (including salts thereof) such as monatin by converting a substituted ?-keto acid of formula (1) into a glutamic acid derivative of formula (2) in the presence of an enzyme catalyzing conversion of the same.

Abstract: Capsinoids of formula (3) may be conveniently prepared in a high yield, in a short time, without using a dehydrating agent by esterification of a fatty acid of formula (1) with a hydroxymethylphenol of formula (2) using an enzyme without a solvent or in a low-polar solvent. Addition of a fatty acid represented by formula (4) is effective for stabilizing the ester compound of formula (3). wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A topically applied circulation enhancing agent suited for application over the entire body which has good transdermal absorptivity and causes little irritation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel N-alkylaspartyl amide derivative, a salt form thereof, a sweetening agent containing the same and a sweetened food or drink containing the N-alkylaspartyl amide derivative as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes of producing glutamic acid compounds, for example, monatin, which are useful as, for example, production intermediates for sweetener or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes of producing glutamic acid compounds, for example, monatin, which are useful as, for example, production intermediates for sweetener or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Glutamic acid derivatives, in particular monatin, may be conveniently prepared by alkylating a 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative with an alkylating agent to prepare a 4-protected hydroxyl-4-alkylglutamic acid derivative, followed by the steps of hydrolysis and deprotection. The 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative is easy to produce from hydroxyproline. The 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative is particularly suitable for use in the efficient manufacture of monatin of high optical purity, since it can be alkylated selectively at the 4-position and stereoselectively and after its alkylation, it can easily be converted to a glutamic acid derivative.

Abstract: A crystal of free (2R,4R)-monatin is useful as a sweet substance. The crystals resist absorption of water even under high humidity, are stable and exhibit a high degree of sweetness. Thus, such crystals may used as a sweetening agent or an ingredient thereof, and as an ingredient for imparting sweetness to foods and beverages.

Abstract: N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-?-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester is prepared by a process comprising: subjecting Aspartame and 3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehyde or derivatives thereof to reductive alkylation in a solvent to produce N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-?-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester; and crystallizing said compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic amine salt of monatin, or crystal form thereof, and its application as well as a method for resolving the stereoisomers of monatin by forming its salt. The present invention further provides a salt form of monatin that is useful as a sweetening agent or as the active ingredient of a sweetener. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a salt of a particular stereoisomer of monatin with an organic amine by utilizing the difference of crystallinity or solubility of the salt of the stereoisomer of monatin with the organic amine. The present invention also relates to a use of the salt in a method for preparing a metal salt of monatin in which the organic amine is replaced by a metal such as sodium, potassium, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel amino acid derivative, and a salt for thereof. The present invention further provides a sweetening agent and a food or beverage, which contains the novel amino acid derivative of the present invention to increase the sweetness of the same.

Abstract: N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-?-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester is prepared by a process comprising: subjecting Aspartame and 3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionaldehyde or derivatives thereof to reductive alkylation in a solvent to produce N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-?-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester; and crystallizing said compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides salt crystals of non-natural stereoisomer forms of monatin and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing efficiently glutamic acid derivatives (including salts thereof) such as monatin by converting a substituted ?-keto acid of formula (1) into a glutamic acid derivative of formula (2) in the presence of an enzyme catalyzing conversion of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes of producing glutamic acid compounds, for example, monatin, which are useful as, for example, production intermediates for sweetener or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing aspartyl dipeptide ester compounds, which can be used as sweeteners, and aldehydes that can be used in the manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel N-alkylaspartyl amide derivative, a salt form thereof, a sweetening agent containing the same and a sweetened food or drink containing the N-alkylaspartyl amide derivative as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-&agr;-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester is prepared by a process comprising:

Abstract: Dihydroisoxazole derivatives are conveniently converted to &ggr;-hydroxyamino acid derivatives which are important as various synthetic intermediates by a catalytic hydrogenation reaction. High-purity monatins which may be used as sweeteners or ingredients thereof can be obtained by subjecting a 5-indolylmethyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid to catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: Aspartyl dipeptide ester derivatives, such as a N-[N-[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-methylbutyl]-L-&agr;-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, or salts thereof, having a high degree of sweetness compared to conventional sweeteners. These derivatives are excellent in sweetening potency and may be used as sweetener components in products such as foods and drinks. They may also be used as low calorie sweeteners and in methods of sweetening products. Foods and drinks comprising these derivatives as well as methods for their production.