Synthesis of tritium labeled [3R-3H]-, and [3S-3H]-L-phenylalanine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jlcr.461

The synthesis of two selectively labeled isotopomers of L-phenylalanine, (Phe), using chemical and enzymatic methods is reported. The [3R-³H]-L-Phe isotopomer has been obtained from [3-³H]cinnamic acid prepared from benzaldehyde and malonic acid using tritiated water as a source of radioactive label, and by addition of ammonia in the presence of enzyme PAL. The [3S-³H]-L-Phe isotopomer has been synthesized by addition of ammonia to cinnamic acid in a buffered medium containing PAL and tritiated water.