ABSTRACT
Amino acids, such as Glu, derived from fermentation provide an excellent example of the latter. Glu can be converted to numerous monomeric intermediates that have unique functionality not provided by petrochemical
intermediates, including the five-carbon motif and chirality. Glu can also be directly made into polymers. Recently Ichimaru Pharcos announced the “volume production” of γ-polyglutamic acid for use in cosmetics, paints, water purification and biodegradable plastics (2). In this paper, we report on our preliminary studies on the thermochemical conversion of Glu to products and intermediates.
