Suntory Limited

Shiratori Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Tadashi Kanai

Hideaki Sakai

(6R)-Tetrahydro-L-biopterin of the following formula: ##STR1## is prepared by catalytically reducing L-erythrobiopterin or an acyl derivative thereof in the presence of an amine, at pH 10-13 and with a platinum-base catalyst and when one or more acyl groups still remain, then removing the acyl groups. (6R)-Tetrahydro-L-biopterin is effective for the treatment of certain serious neuroses and malignant hyperphenylalaniemia. The present invention has succeeded in preparing (6R)-tetrahydro-L-biopterin at a high asymmetric ration R/S and moreover with a high yield. Since the process of this invention makes use of an amine as a base, the process is free from admixture of any inorganic salt and can hence provide high-purity crystals with ease.

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Chiba, Japan

Tadashi Kanai