CRYSTALLIZATION OF α-L-ASPARTYL-L-PHENYLALANINE METHYL ESTER

PURPOSE: A novel process and apparatus for the crystallization of alpha-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester crystals wherein initial nucleation and initial crystal growth is conducted in a controlled manner in a metastable supersaturated solution, followed by further crystal growth via a cooling crystallization step are provided. Therefore, the obtained aspartame has excellent properties and can be prepared at low cost in an industrial scale. CONSTITUTION: This process comprises the steps of: forming a supersaturated solution of alpha-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; forming a nucleus of aspartame crystals; and growing the nucleus of the obtained aspartame without accompanying the prominent production of a new crystal nucleus, wherein the step for forming the supersaturated solution contains a step for preparing an unsaturated solution of aspartame and a step for cooling the unsaturated solution.