Title of Invention

N-ALKYLASPARTYL DIPEPTIDE ESTER DERIVATIVES AND SWEETENING AGENT

Abstract The present invention relates to a Novel N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative, such as N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methylbutyl]-L-α aspartyl]-L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, including that in the salt form, which can be used as an excellent sweetening agent is provided. The novel derivative is low in calories and moreover is more excellent particularly in a sweetening potency in comparison with conventional sweetening agents, and therefore enables fumishment of a sweetening agent, food or the like product containing the derivative.
Full Text DESCRIPTION
N-Alkylaspartyl Dipeptide Ester Derivative and Sweetening
Agent
Technical Field
This invention relates to a novel N-alkylasparty1 dipeptide ester derivative, a sweetening agent or a sweetened food or the like product comprising the derivative as an effective component.
Background Art
In recent years, as eating habits have been improved to a high level, fatness caused by excessive sugar intake and diseases accompanied by fatness have been at issue. Accordingly, the development of a low-calory sweetener ( sweetening agent ) that replaces sugar has been in demand. As a sweetener that has been widely used at present, there is aspartame which is excellent in safety and quality of sweetness. However, this is somewhat problematic in stability. In the international Patent Publication WO 94/11391, it is stated that derivatives in which an alkyl group is introduced on a nitrogen atom of aspartic acid constituting the aspartame are markedly improved in the sweetening potency and are slightly improved in stability.

Of the compounds stated in this Publication, N-[N-(3,3-
dimethylbutyl)-L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl
ester, which has introduced 3,3 - dimethylbutyl group as an
alkyl group is most excellent. The sweetening potency of
this compound is reported to be 10000 times that of sucrose,
which is a value obtained on comparing the above compound to
a 2%-, 5%- and 10%-sucrose solution. There are also stated
aspartame derivatives having introduced 20 types of
substituents other than 3, 3 -dimethylbutyl group. The
sweetening potency of these aspartame derivatives is
reported to be not higher than 2500 times that of sucrose.
There are also stated aspartame derivatives having
introduced a 3- (substituted phenyl) propyl group as an alkyl
group. Among these, N- [N- (3-phenylpropyl) - L - Oi -
aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester and N- [N- (3- (3-
methoxy-4 - hydroxyphenylpropyl) - L - β - aspartyl] -L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, as derivatives having relatively high sweetening potency, are reported to have the sweetening potency of 1500 and 2500 times that of sucrose, respectively. However, the sweetening potency of these derivatives is much lower than that of N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl) - L- a - aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, which is 10000 times that of sucrose. Also, N- [N-[(RS)-3- phenylbutyl]-L- oc -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methylester, having, as an alkyl group, a substituent corresponding to a 3-phenyl propyl group, to the third

position of which a methyl group is further introduced, that is a 3-phenyl butyl group, is reported to have a sweetening potency of 1200 times that of sucrose. It is slightly lowered in sweetening potency in comparison with N- [N- (3-
phenylpropyl) -L - a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester due to the methyl group introduced at the third position. On the other hand, N - [N - [3 - ( 3 - methoxy - 4 - hydroxyphenyl) -(RS) - 1-methylpropyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, having a structure corresponding to N- [N-
[3- (3- methoxy-4 -hydroxyphenyl) propyl]-L- a -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, to the fist position of the propyl group of which a methyl group is introduced, is reported to have a sweetening potency of 500 times that of sucrose. This derivative is lowered significantly in its sweetening potency due to the methyl group introduced at the first position of the propyl group. As an example of substituting the L-phenylalanine methyl ester moiety with another amino acid ester, there is stated N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl) -L- a -aspartyl]-L- tyrosine 1-methyl ester. This derivative is reported to have a sweetening potency of 4000 times that of sucrose. In view of the above - described status of the art, a development of a low-calory sweetening agent having a superior sweetening potency has been requested.
Problem to be solved bv Invention

It is a problem to be solved by the present invention to provide a novel N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative having a sweetening potency equivalent or superior to that of the above - described N- [N- [3,3-
dimethylbutyl] - L - Oi -aspartyl]-L phenylalanine 1-methylester, and a low-calory sweetening agent comprising the derivative as an effective component (ingredient).
Disclosure of Invention
For resolving the above problem, the present inventors have synthesized a variety of compounds in which a variety of 3 - (substituted phenyl) propyl group, such as 3,3-dialkyl- 3 - ( substituted phenyl) propyl groups or (RS)-3-alkyl- 3 - (substituted phenyl) propyl groups, have been introduced on a nitrogen atom of an aspartic acid constituting an aspartame and an aspartame derivative, by reductive alkylation, using a 3 -phenylpropionaldehyde derivative, a cinnamaldehyde derivative, a (2 -phenylethyl) alkyl ketone derivative or the like having a variety of substituents on a phenyl group and also having 1 to 4 alkyl substituents on the main chain, and examined the sweetening potency of these derivatives. The aspartame derivative is a compound corresponding to the aspartame the L-phenylalanine methyl ester moiety of which is substituted by another amino acid ester therein. As a result of our investigations, the sweetening potency of some of the

aspartame derivatives is much higher in sweetening potency
than N- [N- (3 , 3-dimethylbutyl) -L- a -aspartyl]-L
phenylalanine 1 -methylester reported to have the sweetening potency of 10000 times that of sucrose, to say nothing of
N- [N- [ (RS) - 3-phenylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L- phenylalanine 1 - methyles ter reported to have the sweetening potency of 1200
times that of sucrose or N- [N- (3,3 - dimethylbutyl) -L - a -aspartyl]-L- tyrosine 1 -methylester reported to have a sweetening potency equal to 4000 times that of sucrose, as disclosed in the international Patent Publication WO 94/11391, and that, in particular, the compound represented by the general formula (1) below is superior as a sweetening agent. The present invention has been brought to completion based on these findings.
That is, the present invention resides in a N-alkylasparatyl dipeptide ester derivative, inclusive of its salt form, and a sweetening agent or a sweetened food or the like product comprising the derivative, wherein the derivative is represented by the following general formula (1) :


In the above formula, Rj^, R^. R3, R^ and R5 are reciprocally independent and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxy alkyloxy group having two or three carbon atoms, or R^ and R^, or Rj and R3 combine together and denote a methylene dioxy group.
In case that R^ and R2, or R^ and R3 combined together denote a methylene dioxy group, R^ and R5 and, Rj^ or R3 which is not combined together with Rj, are reciprocally independent and denote one of the above-mentioned substituents designated for the symbol.
Rj, R,, Rg, Rj and Rj^o are reciprocally independent and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and optional two substituents selected from Rj, R^, Rg, R, and Rj^o therein may combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
If any optional two substituents selected from R^, R,, Rg, Rg and R^p combined together denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the substituents other than the selected two substituents are reciprocally independent and denote one of the above-defined substituents designated respectively for the symbol.
In the above formula, linkages denoted by wavy lines

are a single linkages, with there being no limitations on the direction of linkage.
If Rj and R,, or Rj and Rg denote different subs ti tuents, or if Rj^o denotes a substituent other than a hydrogen atom, there is no limitation on the configuration of carbon atoms to which R^ and R, are bonded, those to which R, and Rg are bonded or those to which R;^,, is linked. For example, these configurations may be (R) , (s) or (RS) independently of each other.
R^i denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a benzyl group, a p-hydroxybenzyl group, a cyclohexylmethyl group, a phenyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a phenylethyl group and a cyclohexylethyl group, and R^j denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R^^ denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
However, derivatives in which Rg, R-,. Rg, Rg and R^p in their entirety denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, those in which Rj denotes a methyl group, R^, R2, R3, R4, R5, R7, Rg. Rg R^o and R12 denote a hydrogen atom at the same time and Rj^^ denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxybenzyl group at the same time, and those in which R^ denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^^ denotes a methyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, R7, Rg and Rg denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, and R^^

denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxy benzyl group, are excluded from the above - described derivatives.
Embodiments for Carrying out Invention
The novel N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative according to the present invention includes compounds represented by the above formula (1) and also salt forms thereof. Of the amino acids constituting the above derivative, the aspartic acid is in the L-isomer. Other amino acids may be in the L- or D-isomer, as desired.
The compounds of the present invention preferably include the following compounds:
[1] The compounds represented by the above-mentioned formula (1) ;
provided that, in the above formula (1), R^, R^, R3, R^ and R5 are reciprocally independent and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom (H), a hydroxyl group (OH) , an alkoxy group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms (OCH3, OCH2CH3, OCH2CH2CH3 and so forth), an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms (CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3 and so forth), a hydroxy alkyloxy group with two or three carbon atoms (0(CH2)20H, OCH2CH (OH) CH3 and so forth), or R^ and R2, or R^ and R3 therein combine together and denote a methylene dioxy group (OCHjO) .
It is noted that in case that R^ and R2 or R2 and R3 combined together denote a methylene dioxy group, R^ and R5

and R^ or R3 which is not combined with R^ are reciprocally independent from each other and denote one of the above-mentioned substituents designated respectively for the symbol .
Rg, R,, Rg, Rj and R^^ are reciprocally independent from each other and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and optional two substituents selected from Rj, R7, Rg, R, and R^Q combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms (such as CH2, CHjCH^, CH2CH2CH2 and so forth).
In case that optional two substituents selected from the group consisting of R^, R,, Rg, R, and RJ^Q combined together denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the remaining substituents are reciprocally independent from each other and denote the respective specified or illustrated substituents designated respectively for the symbol.
In the above formula (1) , a linkage denoted by wavy line are a single linkage, with there being no limitations on the direction of linkage.
In case that R^ and R^ or Rg and R, denote respective different substituents from each other, or Rj,o is a substituent other than a hydrogen atom, there is no limitation to the configuration of the carbon atom to which Rg and R, are linked, a carbon atom to which Rg and R, are linked Dr a carbon atom to which R^^ is linked. Thus, the

configuration may be any one of (R) , (S), (RS) or the like. Rjj^ denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a benzyl group (CH2C5H5), a p-hydroxybenzyl group (CH^CgHj -p- OH) , a cyclohexylmethyl group (CH2C5H^^) , a phenyl group {C5H5) , a cyclohexyl group (C5H11) , a phenyl ethyl group (CH2CH2C5H5) and a cyclohexylethyl group (CH2CH2C5H11) , and R12 denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R^^^ denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
However, derivatives in which R5, R,, Rg, R, and Rj^^ in their entirety denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, those in which Rg denotes a methy group, R^, Rj, R3, R^, R5, R7, Rg, Rg Rjo and R^2 denote a hydrogen atom at the same time and Rj^^ denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxybenzyl group at the same time, and those in which Rj denotes a methoxy group, Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R^o denotes a methyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, R7, Rg and Rg denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxybenzyl group, are excluded from the derivatives.
[2] The compound as defined in [1] where R^ is a methyl group. [3] The compound as defined in [2] where R7 is a methyl group. [4] The compound as defined in [3] where Rg, Rg and R^^ are hydrogen atoms. [5] The compound as defined in [1] to [3] where R^p is a methyl

group.
[6] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg and R^ combine
together and denote an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon
atoms.
[7] The compound as defined in [2] except the compound where
the totality of R^, Rj, R3, R4 and R5 denote a hydrogen atom.
[8] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg is a methyl group
and Ri, R2, R3, R4, R5, R7, Rg/ Rg and R^p are all hydrogen atoms.
[9] The compound as defined in [1] where R^ is an alkyl group
having two or three carbon atoms.
[10] The compound as defined in [1] where any optional two
substituents selected from Rg, R,, Rg, Rg and R-^^ combined
together denote an alkylene group with one to five carbon
atoms.
[11] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg, R,, Rg, Rg are all hydrogen atoms, R^^ is a methyl group, R2 is a substituent selected from a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group with two or three carbon atoms, an alkyl group with one to three carbon atoms and a hydroxy alkyloxy group having two or. three carbon atoms or R2 combined with R^ or R3 denotes a methylene dioxy group.
[12] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg, R^, Rg and R, are all hydrogen atoms, R^Q is a methyl group, R3 is a substituent selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group with one to three carbon atoms, an alkyl group with one to three carbon atoms and a hydroxy alkyloxy group having two or three carbon

atoms, and R^ may combine with Rj^ or R3 form a methylene dioxy group.
[13] The compound as defined in [1] where R^ R^ R5, R^.R^.Rg and Rg are all hydrogen atoms, R.^^ is a methyl group, R2 is a methoxy group, R3 is a hydroxyl group, and R^^^ is a substituent selected from the group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a cyclohexyl methyl group, a phenyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a phenylethyl (CH2CH2CgH5) and a cyclohexylethyl group {CU2C^2"^6^ii^ •
[14] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg and R, denote hydrogen atoms and R^, is an alkyl group with two or three carbon atoms.
[15] The compound as defined in [1] where R^ and R, denote hydrogen atoms and optional two selected from Rg, Rg and R^g combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
[16] The compound as defined in [1] where Rg, R, and R.^^ denote hydrogen atoms, at least one of Rg and Rg denotes an alkyl group with one to three carbon atoms or Rg and Rg combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
[17] The derivative in [1] wherein R3 denotes a methoxy group,
R^, Rj, R4, R5, R7, Rg. R9" Rio ^^^ R12 denote hydrogen atoms,
Rg and R^^ denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[18] The derivative in [1] wherein R2 is a hydroxyl group,
R^, R3, R4, R5, R,, Rg, Rg, Rio and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom,

Rg and Rj^3 denote a methyl group, and R^i denotes a benzyl group. [19] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj is a methoxy group,
R3 is a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, R5,"R,, Rj, Rg, R^^ and R^^ denote
a hydrogen atom, Rg and R13 denote a methyl group and R^^^^ denotes
a benzyl group.
[20] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj.is a hydroxyl group,
R3 is a methoxy group, R^, R^, R5, R,, Rg, Rg, RJ^Q and R^2 denote
a hydrogen atom, R^ and R^j denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes
a benzyl group.
[21] The derivative in [1] wherein R^ is a methoxy group,
R3 is a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, Rj, R,, Rg, Rg, R^Q and Rj^^ denote
hydrogen atoms, Rj and R^j denote a methyl group and Rj^^ denotes
a p-hydroxybenzyl group.
[22] The derivative in [1] wherein R2 is a hydroxyl group,
R3 denotes a methoxy group, Rj^, R^, R5, R,, R,, Rg, R^^ and R^^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and Rj^3 denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a cyclohexylmethyl group.
[23] The derivative in [1] wherein R3 is a methoxy group, Rj, R2, R4, R5, Rg, Rg, Rio and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom. Rg, R, and R^3 denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[24] The derivative in [1] wherein R3 is a hydroxyl group, Rj, R2, R4, R5, Rg, R9. Rio and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, " R, and R;^3 denote a methyl group and Rj^i denotes a benzyl group.
[25] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj is a methoxy group, R3 is a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, Rg, Rio and R^2 denote a hydrogen group, Rg, R, and R13 denote a methyl group and Rn

denotes a benzyl group.
[26] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj is a hydroxyl group, Rj is a methoxy group, R^, R^, R^, Rg, Rg, Rm and R^2 denote a hydrogen group, R^, R, and R^^ denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[27] The derivative in [1] wherein R2 is a methyl group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, Rj^, R^, R5, R,, Rg, R^, R^^ and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R;^3 denote a methyl group and Rj^i denotes a benzyl group.
[28] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj is a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^^, R^, R5, R^, R,, R,, R^^^ and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and Rj^3 denote a methyl group and R^j^ denotes a benzyl group.
[29] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj^ is a hydroxyl group, R2, R3, R4, R5, Rg, R9, Rio and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R7 and Ri3 denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group. [30] The derivative in [1] wherein R^ is a hydroxyl group, R3 is a methoxy group, R^, R4, R5, Rg. Rg, R^Q and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, Rj, R, and R13 denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group. [31] The derivative in [1] wherein R^ is a hydroxyl group,
t
R3 is a methyl group, Rj, R4, R5, Rg. Rg* Rio and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, R^, R, and R^^ denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[32] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj and R3 combine together and denote a methylene dioxy group, R^, R^, R5, Rg,

Rg, R^o and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^^ denote a methyl group and R^j^ is a benzyl group.
[33] The derivative in [1] wherein R^ denotes a methyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, Rj^, R4, Rj, Rg, R,, R^Q and Rj^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^j denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[34] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj denotes a methyl group, R3 is a hydroxyl group, Rj^, R^, Rj, Rj, R9, Rio and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R13 denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[35] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, R,, R^^ and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rj, R, and R^j denote a methyl group and Rj^^ denotes a benzyl group.
[36] The derivative in [1] wherein R2 denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, Rj, Rg, R^, R^^^ and R^j denote a hydrogen group, Rj and R, combine together and denote a tetramethylene group, R^^ denotes a benzyl group and R13 denotes a methyl group.
[37] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R,, Rj, Rg, R9, R^ and Ri2 denote a hydrogen atom, R^ and R^ denote a methyl group, R^^ denotes a benzyl group and R13 denotes an ethyl group. [38] The derivative in [1] wherein Rj and R3 denote a hydroxyl group, Ri, R^, R5, Rg, Rg, R^o and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R7 and R^j denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl

group.
[39] The derivative in [1] wherein R2 is a hydroxyl group,
R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, Rg and R^^ denote
a hydrogen atom, R^, R7, R^j and Rj3 denote a methyl group and
Rii denotes a benzyl group.
[4.0] The derivative in [17] to [22] and [27] wherein the
configuration of the carbon atom to which Rg is linked in the
formula is in the form of (R), (S). (RS) or the like.
[41] The derivative in [28] wherein the configuration of the
carbon atom to which is Rg linked in the formula is in the
form of (R) , (S) , (RS) or the like.
[42] The derivative in [1] wherein the configuration of the
carbon atom to which R.^^ is linked in the formula is in the
form of (R), (S), (RS) or the like.
For the preferable embodiments, the following
inventions are contained in the present invention.
[43] A sweetening agent or a sweetened food or the like product comprising the above - defined derivative in the present invention as an effective component, which may occasionally contain a carrier and/or a bulking agent.
[44] A method for imparting sweetness, comprising a step of: giving (mixing or adding ) the above derivative to a product in need of sweetness, such as food, beverage (drinking), pharmaceuticals and oral hygiene products, and products requesting sweetness for animals other than humans. [45] A method for manufacturing a compound represented by the

above general formula (1) , where RK, denotes a hydrogen atom, said method comprising a step of reacting an aldehyde shown by the following general formula (2):

where R^, Rj, R3 R4, R5, R^, R,, Rj and R3 have the same meaning as Rj^, Rj, R3 R^, R5, R5, R,, Rg and Rj respectively in the above formula (1);
It being noted that linkages denoted by wavy lines in the above formula (2) are single linkages, with there being no limitations on the direction of linkage;
it being also noted that, if Rg and R,, or R3 and Rg are not the same substituents, there is no particular limitation to the configuration of carbon atoms to which Rj and R,, or Rg and Rg are linked, such that it may be (R), (S), (RS) or the like whichever is desired;
with an aspartame derivative shown by the following general formula (3) :


under a reductive alkylation condition;
wherein R11, R12 R13 ^in the above formula (3) have the same meaning as R^^, R^j and R^j, respectively in the above formula (1) , R^^ denotes a hydrogen atom or a substituent that can be converted into a hydrogen atom under the reductive alkylation condition and Rj^5 denotes a hydrogen atom, a benzyl group or a substituent that may be used for protecting a carboxyl group such as a t-butyl group or the like. [46] A method for manufacturing a compound represented by the above general formula (1) , where R,, Rj and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, said method comprising a step of reacting an aldehyde shown by the following general formula (4)

where R^, R^. R3, R4, R5, Rg and Rg have the same meaning as R^, R2, R3, R4, R5, Rg and Rg, respectively in the above formula
(1) ;
with an aspartame derivative shown by the above-mentioned general formula (3) under a reductive alkylation condition.
[47] A method for manufacturing a compound represented by the above general formula (1), comprising a step of reacting

an aldehyde shown by the following general formula (5)

where R^, R2, R3 R4, Rj, Rg, R,, Rg, R, and R^p have the same meaning as R^, R^, R, R^, Rj, R^, R,, Rg Rg and R^^, respectively in the above formula (1);
it being noted that linkages denoted by wavy lines in-the above formula (5) are single linkages, with there being no limitations on the direction of linkage;
it being also noted that, if Rj and, R, or Rj and R, are not the same substituents, there is no particular limitation to the configuration of the carbon atoms to which Rg and R^, or Rg and R, are linked, such that it may be (R), (S), (RS) or the like whichever is desired;
" with the aspartame derivative shown by the above general formula (3) under a reductive alkylation condition.
It is sufficient if the manufacturing methods give*n in
[45] to [47] include the reacting step under the reductive
alkylation condition, such that a step or steps other than
the reacting step under the reductive alkylation condition
may also be included in the manufacturing method. There may

also be included an optional step or steps, following the reacting step under the reductive alkylation condition, for example, de- protection in a hydroxyl group or the other functional group, a salt forming step or the like, for producing such targeted compounds.
As the substituent that can be converted into a hydrogen atom under the reductive alkylation condition, those that usually can be used for such purpose, such as benzyloxy carbonyl group or the like, may be optionally selected depending on the particular reductive alkylation condition used. As these reductive alkylation conditions, the conditions as known per se, or any suitable conditions that will be developed in future, such as a condition employing metal hydrides, may be used, as needed.
As a further preferable present embodiment of the present invention, if aldehyde shown by the general formulas (2) , (4) or (5) includes hydroxyl groups, the above - described manufacturing methods of [45] to [47] employing an aldehyde the hydroxyl group of which is protected by a suitable protecting group, such as benzyl group, may also be contained in the present invention.
It is noted that salts of the compounds of the present invention, which are included in the derivatives of the present invention, may be enumerated by, for example, salts of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, salts of alkali earth metals, such as calcium and magnesium, ammonium salt

with ammonia, salts with amino acids, such as lysine and arginine, salts with inorganic acids, such as hydrogen chloride and sulfuric acid, salts with organic acids, such as citric acid and acetic acid, and salts with sweetening agents, such as saccharin, acesulfame, cyclamic acid and glycyrrhizic acid. These salts may be included in the derivatives of the present invention, as pointed out above. The N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative of the present invention can be easily synthesized by reductive alkylation of aspartame or aspartame derivatives, that is compounds obtained on replacing an L-phenylalanine methylester moity in the aspartame by another amino acid ester, using a 3-phenylpropionaldehyde derivative, a cinnamaldehyde derivative or a (2-phenylethyl) alkylketone derivative, which has different substituents on a phenyl group and also having one to four alkyl substituents on the main chain, and a reducing agent, such as a hydrogen/palladium carbon catalyst. Alternatively, the N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative of the present invention can be produced by a method consisting in reductive alkylation of an aspartame derivative, having a protecting group in a i3 -position in the carboxylic acid, such as i3 -0-benzyl- d-L-aspartyl-L-amino acid methyl ester, using the above - described 3-phenylpropionaldehyde derivative, a cinnamaldehyde derivative or a (2 -phenylethyl) alkylketone derivative, and a reducing agent, such as NaB(0Ac)3H, as

disclosed in A. F. Abdel - Magid et al . , Tetrahedron letters, 31, 5595 (1990), followed by removal of protecting groups thereof, or by a method consisting in saturating unsaturated bonds with a reducing agent, as the occasion may demand. The above aspartame derivative may be obtained by a usual peptide synthesis method, as discussed in Izumiya et al . , Fundamentals and Experimentation in Peptide Synthesis. Published by MARUZEN on January 20, 1985. The method for synthesis of the compounds in the present invention is, however, not limited to these methods. In place of the above-mentioned 3 -phenylpropionaldehyde derivative, cinnamaldehyde derivative or the (2-phenylethyl) alkyl ketone derivative, acetal or ketal derivatives thereof may, of course, be used as the aldehyde or ketone components at the time of the reductive alkylation.
As a result of sensory evaluation, the derivative, that .
is the compound, and salt forms thereof, according to the
present invention, have been found to have strong sweetening
potency and sensory properties similar to that of sugar. For
example, the sweetness of N- [N- [3- (3 - hydroxy - 4-
methoxyphenyl) - 3 - methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was approximately 70000 times
that of sugar, the sweetness of N - [N - [ 3 - (3-methyl - 4-
hydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was approximately 70000 times that of sugar, the sweetness of N- [N- [3 - (3 - hydroxy - 4 -

methylphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a - aspartyl]-L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was approximately 60000 times that of sugar, andthe sweetness of N-[N-[(RS)-3-(3-
hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) butyl] -L- Oi -aspartyl] -L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was approximately 50000 times
that of sugar. On the other hand, the half life in a buffer
of pH = 3.0 at 72.0 °C of N - [N - [3 - (3 - me thoxy - 4-
hydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-
phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was 34.4 hours, which was substantially equivalent to the half life of N- [N- (3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (31.4 hours under the same condition). Also, the half life in a buffer with pH=3.0 at 70.0 t of aspartame, N-[N-(3,3-dimethyIbutyl)-L- Oi -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1 -methyl ester, N- [N- [3- (3 - hydroxy - 4-methoxyphenyl) -3-methyIbutyl] -L- OL -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1 - methyl ester and N- [N- [3- (4-hydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methylester, was measured, and found to be 23.5, 38.3, 44.5 and 43.6 hours, respectively. Table 1 shows the structures of several synthesized N-alkyl aspartyl dipeptide ester derivatives, shown by the general formula (6), indicated below, and results of the sensory evaluation tests.
As may be seen from the results of Table 1, the novel derivatives of the present invention are particularly excellent in sweetness (sweetening potency).





Meanwhile, in case that the derivatives of the present invention (compounds of the present invention inclusive of salt forms thereof) are used as a sweetening agent, it is of course possible to use other sweetening agents in combination.
If the derivatives of the present invention are used as the sweetening agents, it is of course possible to use a carrier and/or a bulking agent, for example, a carrier or a bulking agent so far known and used.
The derivatives of the present invention can be used as a sweetening agent or a component thereof. In addition, the derivatives of the present invention can be used for products, such as foods or the like products, in need of a sweet taste, such as confectionery, chewing gums, hygiene products, toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and various veterinary products for animals other than those for humans. Moreover, the derivatives of the present invention can be used as form of a product to be given or endowed with a sweet taste and in a sweet taste imparting method for the products ( foods or the like products ) in need of a sweet taste. As for the method of using the derivatives of the

present invention, any suitable conventional or well-known method can be followed.
Preferred Embodiments for Carrying out Invention
The present invention will be explained in detail with

reference to Examples which, however, are merely-illustrative and are not intended to, limit the present invention.
The NMR spectrum and the MS spectrum were measured using Varian Gemini 300 (300 MHz) and Thermo Quest TSQ700, respectively.
(Example 1)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (3-hydroxy - 4 -methoxyphenyl) -3-
methylbutyl] - L - Q! - aspa.rtylj - L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 10)
To 703 mg (1.45 mmol) of N-t-butoxycarbonyl - (3 -O-benzyl-a-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, 10 ml of a 4N-HCl/dioxane solution were added and stirred at room temperature for one hour. The reaction solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. To the residue were added 50 ml of a 5%-aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and extraction was made twice with 50 ml of ethyl acetate. An organic layer was washed with a saturated saline water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate was filtered off and the liquid filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 557 mg (1.45 mmol) of jS -0-benzyl- a -L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, as a viscous oily substance.
557 mg (1.45 mmol) of the above (S -0-benzyl- a -L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester were dissolved in 15

ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF) to yield a solution which was maintained at 0 X2 . To this solution were added 432 mg (1.45 mmol) of 3 - ( 3-benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde, 0.083 ml (1.45 mmol) of acetic acid and 4 62 mg (2.18
mmol) of NaB(0Ac)3H and stirred for one hour at 01 and overnight at room temperature. To the reaction solution were added 50 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and extraction was made twice with 50 ml of ethyl acetate. An organic layer was washed with a saturated saline water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate was filtered off and the liquid filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified with preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) to yield 832 mg (1.25 mmol) of N- [N - [3 - (3-benzyloxy - 4-
methoxyphenyl) - 3 - methylbutyl] - j3 -0-benzyl-L- Q; -aspartyl] -L - phenylalanine 1-methylester as a viscous oily substance. The above 832 mg (1.25 mmol) of N-[N-[3-(3-benzyloxy-4 -methoxyphenyl)-3 -methylbutyl] - j3 -0-benzyl-L-Q! -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 25 ml of methanol and 2 ml of water, and 350 mg of 10% palladium carbon (containing 50% of water) were added thereto. The resulting mixture was reduced at room temperature for three hours under a hydrogen atmosphere. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified with PTLC to remove an odor adsorbed to yield 400 mg (0.82 mmol) of

N- [N - [3 - ( 3 - hydroxy- 4 - me thoxy phenyl) - 3 -methyl butyl] - L - Oi -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methylester as a solid subs tance.
"HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.14 (s, 6H), 1.54-1.68 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.22 (m, 3H), 2.24-2.34 (dd, IH), 2.84-2.94 (dd, IH), 3.00-3.08 (dd, IH), 3.31-3.36 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H) , 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.46-4.55 (m, IH), 6.60-6.65 (dd, IH), 6.73 (s, IH), 6.80 (d, IH), 7.10-7.28 (m, 5H), 8.45 (d. IH), 8.75 (brs, IH) .
ESI (Electrospray Ionization) -MS 487.3 (MH*) Sweetness (sweetening potency), 70000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 2)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 7)
N- [N- [3 - (4-methoxyphenyl) -3-methylbutyl] -L- a aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 72.2%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3 - (4-methoxyphenyl)-3 -
t
methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3 - (3-benzyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 -methylbutyl aldehyde.
"HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.17 (s, 6H), 1.62-1.72 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.24- 2.34 (dd, IH), 2.84-2.94 (dd, IH), 2.95-3.07 (dd, IH), 3.30-3.35 (m, IH), 3.51 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s.

3H) , 4.46-4.54 (m, IH), 6.83 {d, 2H). 7.14-7.28 (m, 7H), 8.43 (d, IH) .
ESI-MS 471.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 25000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 3)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- ( 4 - hydroxy-phenyl) -3-methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1 methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 8)
N- [N- [3 - (4-hydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 64.5%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3- (4 -benzyloxyphenyl) -3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3 - (3-benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde.
^HMMR (DMSO-dj) 8 :1.15 (s, 6H), 1.58-1.72 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.24- 2.34 (dd, IH), 2.85-2.94 (dd, IH), 3.00-3.08 (dd, IH) , 3.30-3.36 (m, IH) , 3.59 (s, 3H) , 4.46-4.55 (m, IH) , 6.67 (d, 2H) , 7.07 (d, 2H), 7.10-7.27 (m, 5H), 8.44 (d, IH) , 9.15 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 457.3 (MH*)
»
Sweetness, 25000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 4)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3-(3 -methoxy-4 -hydroxyphenyl)-3-
methylbutyl] -L- Q! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1 methyl ester

(Table 1, compound number 9)
N- [N- [3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl) - 3-me thylbutyl] -L-0! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 62.2%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3- (3-methoxy- 4-benzyloxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3-(3 -benzyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 -methylbutyl aldehyde. "HMMR {DMSO-dJ 6 :l,n (s, 6H), 1.63-1.72 (m, 2H), 2.08-2.22 (m, 3H), 2.25-2.33 (dd, IH), 2.86-2.94 (dd, IH), 3.00-3.08 (dd, IH) , 3.33-3.38 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.47-3.55 (m, IH) , 6.67 (s, 2H), 6.81 (s, IH), 7.14-7.27 (m, 5H), 8.46 (d, IH), 8.70 (brs, IH). ESI-MS 487.3 (MH*) Sweetness, 40000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 5)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (3 - hydroxy - 4-methoxyphenyl) -3-methylbutyl]-L- a -aspartyl]-L-( Q! -methyl) phenylalanine 1-methylester (Table 1, compound number 22)
N- [N- [3- (3 - hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 -methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L- ( oc -methyl) phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 77.2%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using N-t-butoxycarbonyl- 0 -0-benzyl- a -L-aspartyl-L-( a -methyl) phenylalanine methyl ester in place of N-t-butoxy carbonyl-i3 - 0 - benzyl - Q! - L-aspartyl - L-phenylalanine methyl ester.

^HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.18 (s, 6H), 1.22 (s, 3H), 1.66-1.76 (m, 2H), 2.18-2.38 (m, 4H), 3.00 (d, IH), 3.19 (d, IH), 3.36-3.42 (m, IH), 3.49 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 6.67-(dd, IH), e.74 (d, IH) , 6.80 (d, IH) , 7.02-7.06 (m, 2H) , 7.20-7.30 (m, 3H), 8.29 (brs, IH), 8.75 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 501.3 (MH")
Sweetness, 40000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 6)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- ( 2 - hydroxy-phenyl) - 3 - methylbutyl ] -L- a -aspartyl]-L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 13)
N- [N- [3 - (2-hydroxyphenyl) -3-methylbutyl] -L- a aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 64.5%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3 - (2 -benzyloxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3 - (3-benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde.
"HMMR (DMSO-dg) (3 :1.26 (s. 6H), 1.84-2.30 (m, 6H) , 2.88 (dd, IH), 3.02 (dd, IH), 3.32-3.38 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.45-4.54 (m, IH), 6.68-6.78 (m, 3H), 6.96-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.30 (m, 5H), 8.50 (d, IH), 9.30 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 457.4 (MH*)
Sweetness, 8000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 7)

Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (2 - hydroxy-4 -methoxyphenyl) -3-methylbutyl] -L- a - aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1 - methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 14)
N- [N- [3 - (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -
L - a -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1 methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 44.1%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3- (2 -benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl)-3 - methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3-(3-benzyloxy- 4-methoxy phenyl)-3-methylbutyl aldehyde. ^HMMR (DMSO-dg) 5 :1.22 (s, 6H), 1.82-2.20 (m, 5H), 2.26 (dd, IH), 2.88 (dd, IH), 3.01 (dd, IH), 3.34-3.40 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.64 (s, 3H) , 4.46-4.53 (m, IH), 6.28 (dd, IH), 6.36 (d, IH) , 6.92 (d, IH) , 7.14-7.26 (m, 5H), 8.52 (d, IH), 9.40 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 487.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 20000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 8)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (2 - hydroxy-4-methylphenyl) -3-
methylbutyl] -L- Q! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester
(Table 1, compound number 15)
N- [N- [3- (2 - hydroxy - 4 -methylphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L - Q! -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 45.1%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3-(2-benzyloxy-4-methylphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3- (3-

benzyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 -methylbutyl aldehyde. "HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.23 (s, 6H), 1.82-2.20 (m, 5H), 2.14 (s, 3H) , 2.25 (dd, IH) , 2.88 (dd, IH)", 3.01 (dd, IH) , 3.33-3.39 (m, IH) , 3.58 (s, 3H) , 4.46-4.54 (m, IH), 6.51 (d, IH). 6.87 (s, IH) , 6.90 (d, IH) , 7.10-7.23 (m, 5H), 8.51 (d, IH), 9.20 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 471.2 (MH*)
Sweetness, 25000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 9)
Synthesis of N-[N-[3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) - 3 -
methylbutyl]-L-Oi -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1- methyl ester
(Table 1, compound number 16)
N- [N- [3- (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -
L-a -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 69.7%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3- (3,4 -methylenedioxy phenyl - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3- (3 -benzyloxy- 4 -methoxyphenyl) - 3 -methylbutyl aldehyde.
"HMMR (DMSQ-dJ 5 :1.16 (s, 6H), 1.60-1.70 (m, 2H), 2.05-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.27 (dd, IH), 2.89 (dd, IH), 3.03 (dd, IH), 3.31-3.35 (m, IH) , "3.59 (s, 3H), 4.4*6-4.54 (m, IH), 5.94 (s, 2H), 6.72 (dd, IH), 6.79 (d, IH), 6.88 (d, IH), 7.15-7.28 (m, 5H), 8.44 (d, IH).
ESI-MS 485.4 (MH*)
Sweetness, 30000 times the sweetness of sugar

(Example 10)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3 - (3 - methyl - 4 -methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- Oi -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1 - methyl ester
(Table 1, compound number 17)
N-[N-[3-(3- methy1-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 - methy1butyl] -L - Q! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 66.0%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 3 - (3-methyl- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3 - methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3- (3-benzyloxy - 4 - methoxy phenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde. HMMR (DMSO-dJ 6 :1.16 (s, 6H), 1.63-1.72 (m, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.08-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.25-2.32 (dd, IH), 2.85-2.95 (dd, IH), 3.00-3.06 (dd, IH). 3.31-3.36 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 4.47-4.55 (m, IH), 6.79-6.82 (m, IH), 7.03-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.15-7.27 (m, 5H), 8.44-8.47 (d, IH). ESI-MS 485.5 (MH*) Sweetness, 30000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 11)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3 - (3-methyl - 4 -hydroxyphenyl) - 3 -
methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester
(Table 1, compound number 18)
N - [N- [3- (3-methyl - 4 -hydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl]
-L- a, -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 63.2%, in the same

way as in Example 1, except using 3 - 43-methyl- 4-benzyloxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde in place of 3-{3-benzyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde. -"HMMR (DMSO-dJ d :1.14 (s, 6H), 1.59-1.68 (m, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 2.09-2.18 (m, 3H), 2.25 (dd, IH), 2.90 (dd, IH), 3.02 (dd, IH), 3.30-3.36 (m, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H). 4.46-4.54 (m, IH) , 6.68 (d, IH) , 6.88 (dd. IH), 6.96 (s, IH), 6.14-6.73 (m. 5H), 8.46 (d, IH), 9.01 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 471.4 (MH")
Sweetness, 70000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 12)
Synthesis of N- [N- [2 - [1 - (3-methoxy- 4 -hydroxyphenyl) cyclopentyl] ethyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 20)
N- [N- [2- [1- (3-methoxy-4 -hydroxyphenyl) cyclopentyl]
ethyl] -L- β -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 68.4%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using 2 - [ 1 - (3 - methoxy-4 -hydroxyphenyl) cyclopentyl] acetaldehyde in place of 3-(3 -benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde.
HMMR (DMSO-dJ 0 :1.48-1.82 (m, lOH), 2.00-2.16 (m, 3H), 2.24 (dd, IH), 2.90 (dd, IH), 3.01 (dd, IH), 3.30-3.40 (m, IH) , 3.59 (s, 3H) , 3.74 (s, 3H), 4.45-4,53 (m, IH), 6.59 (dd, IH) , 6.65 (d, IH) , 6.75 (dd, IH), 7.14-7.28 (m, 5H), 8.44 (d, IH), 8.70 (brs, IH).

ESI-MS 513.4 (MH*)
Sweetness, 30000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 13) Synthesis of N- [N- [3- (3 - hydroxy - 4 -methoxyphenyl) -3-
methylbutyl]-L- Q! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1- ethyl ester (Table 1, compound number 21)
N- [N- [3- (3-hydroxy - 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- CK-aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1- ethyl ester was obtained as a solid substance, with a total yield of 56.1%, in the same way as in Example 1, except using N-t-butoxycarbonyl - /3 -0-benzyl- oc - L - aspartyl-L- phenylalanine ethyl ester in place of N-t-butoxycarbonyl - jS -0-benzyl- Q! - L-aspartyl - L-phenylalanine methyl ester.
"■HMMR (DMSO-dg) 6 :1.09 1.13 (m, 9H), 1.58-1.67 (m, 2H), 2.08-2.37 (m, 4H), 2.86-2.93 (dd, IH). 2.99-3.06 (dd, IH). 3.32-3.37 (m, IH), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.00-4.07 (m, 2H), 4.44- 4.51 (m, IH) , 6.62-6.65 (d, IH) , 6.74-6.81 (m, 2H) , 7.15-7.27 (m, 5H) , 8.46 (d, IH) , 8.78 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 501.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 15000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 14)
Synthesis of N- [N- [(RS) - 3 - (3-methoxy- 4 -hydroxyphenyl) butyl]-L-a-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 3)

419 mg (1.09 mmol) of i3 -0-benzyl- a - L - aspartyl - L-phenylalanine methyl ester, obtained in the same way as in Example 1, were dissolved in 10 ml of THF and the resulting solution was maintained at 0 °C . To this solution were added 308 mg (1.09 mmol) of 3 - (3 -methoxy-4 -benyloxyphenyl) - 2-butenal, 0.062 ml (1.09 mmol) of acetic acid and 345 mg (1.63 mmol) of NaB(0Ac)3H and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 "C for one hour and further stirred overnight at room temperature. To the reaction solution were added 30 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and extraction was carried out twice with 30 ml of ethyl acetate. An organic layer was washed with saturated saline water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. After filtering magnesium sulfate off, the liquid filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified with preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) to obtain 534 mg (0.82 mmol) of N- [N- [3- (3 - methoxy- 4 -benzyloxyphenyl) -2-butenyl]- i3 -0-benzyl-L- a - aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1-methyl ester as a viscous oily substance.
534 mg (0.82 mmol) of the above N- [N- [3 - (3-methoxy-
4-benzyloxyphenyl- 2-butenyl) - β -0-benzyl-L- a aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 20 ml of methanol and 1 ml of water. To the resulting mixture were added 200 mg of 10% palladium carbon (containing 50% of water) . The resulting mixture was reduced at room temperature for three hours in a hydrogen

atmosphere. The catalyst was filtered off and the resulting filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified with PTLC to remove ^an odor adsorbed to obtain 269 mg ( 0.57 mmol ) of N- [N- [(RS) - 3 - (3 - methoxy- 4-
hydroxyphenyl) butyl]-L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester as a solid substance.
^HMMR (DMSO-dJ 6 :1.10 (2d, 3H), 1.50-1.60 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.40 (m, 4H), 2.55-2.65 (m, IH), 2.85-2.95 (m, IH), 3.03-3.09 (dd, IH), 3.34-3.40 (m, IH), 3.60 (s, 1.5H), 3.61 (s, 1.5H), 3.74 (s, 1.5H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H), 4.50-4.60 (m, IH), 6.55 (d, 1H),6.67 (d, IH), 6.72 (s, IH), 7.15-7.30 (m, 5H). 8.50 (brd, IH), 8.70 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 473.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 30000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 15)
Synthesis of N- [N- [ (RS) - 3 - (4-methoxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1- methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 1)
N- [N- [ (RS) - 3 - (4-methoxyphenyl) butyl]- L- a aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 37.3% in the same way as in Example 14 except using 3- (4-methoxyphenyl) -2-butenal in place of 3 - (3 -methoxy-4-benzyloxyphenyl) - 2-butenal. "HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.09 (d, 1 . 5H) , 1.11 (d, 1.5H), 1.54 (m, 2H) , 2.17-2.23 (m, 3H), 2.28-2.38 (m, IH), 2.64 (m, IH), 2.85-

2.95 (m, IH), 3.02-3.10 (dd, IH), 3.60 (s, 1.5H), 3.61 (s, 1.5H), 3.70 (s, IH) , 4.54 (m, IH), 6.83 (d, 2H), 7.07 (d, 2H), 7.18-7.28 (m, 5H).
ESI-MS 457.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 16000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 16)
Synthesis of N-[N-[(RS)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) butyl]-L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1 methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 2)
N- [N- [ (RS) - 3 - (3-hydroxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 31.1% in the same way as in Example 14 except using 3 - (3 -benzyloxyphenyl) - 2-butenal in place of 3-(3 - methoxy-4 -benzyloxyphenyl)-2-butenal.
^HMMR (DMSO-dJ 5 :1.09 (m, 3H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.24 (m, 3H), 2.26-2.34 (dd, IH), 2.58 (m, IH), 2.85-2.98 (m, IH), 3.01-3.10 (dd, IH), 3.60 (s, 1.5H), 3.61 (s, 1.5H), 4.53 (m, IH) , 6.55-6.62 (m, 3H) , 7.05 (t, IH) , 7.16-7.30 (m, 5H), 8.47 (m, IH) , 8.75 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 443 . 2 (MH*)*
Sweetness, 12000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 17) Synthesis of N- [N- [(RS) - 3 - (3 - hydroxy - 4 -methoxyphenyl)

butyl] -L- 0! -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine 1- methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 4)
N- [N- [(RS) - 3 - (3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 38.8% in the same way as in Example 14 except using 3- (3-benzyloxy - 4-methoxyphenyl)-2 -butenal in place of 3 - (3 -methoxy- 4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-butenal.
^HMMR (DMSO-dj) d :1.08 (m, 3H), 1.53 (m, 2H), 2.13-2.21 (m, 3H), 2.28 (dd, IH), 2.56 (m, IH), 2.86-3.00 (m, IH), 3.02-3.12 (dd, IH) , 3.29-3.40 (m, IH) , 3.60 (s, 1.5H), 3.61 (s. 1.5H), 3.71 (s, 3H) , 4.53 (m, IH), 6.53 (d, IH), 6.60 (d, IH), 6.79 (d, IH), 7.15-7.26 (m, 5H), 8.46 (m, IH), 8.75 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 473.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 50000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 18)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3 - ( (RS) - 3 - hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-3 -cyclohexyl-L- alanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 6)
N- [N- [(RS) -3- (3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a - aspartyl]* - 3 - cyclohexyl - L - alanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 41.7% in the same way as in Example 14 except using N-t-butoxycarbonyl- B -0-benzyl- a -L-aspartyl- 3 -cyclohexyl-L-alanine methyl ester in place of N-1-butoxycarbonyl- /S -0 -

benzyl - Q; -L-aspartyl-L- phenylalanine methyl ester and also except using 3- (3 -benzyloxy- 4 -methoxyphenyl) -2-butenal in place of 3 - (3 - methoxy- 4 -benzyloxyphenyl) - 2 -butenal . "HMMR (DMSO-dJ d : 0.75-1.34 (m, 5H), 1.11 (d, 3H), 1.50-1.70 (m, lOH), 2.18-2.28 (m, 2H), 2.35-2.45 (m, 2H), 2.58-2.65 (m, IH), 3.27-3.36 (m, IH), 3.60 (m, 3H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.35 (m, IH), 6.53-6.60 (m, IH), 6.61 (d, IH), 6.79 (d, IH), 8.44 (m, IH), 8.80 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 479.4 (MH*)
Sweetness, 40000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 19)
Synthes is of N-[N-[(RS)-3-(3-methoxy- 4 - hydroxyphenyl) butyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L- tyrosine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 5)
N- [N- [(RS) -3- (3-methoxy-4 - hydroxypheny 1) -butyl] -L- a. -aspartyl] -L-tyrosine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 37.5% in the same way as in Example 14 except using N - t - butoxycarbonyl - 13 -0-benzyl- a -L aspartyl-L- tyrosine methyl ester in place of N-t-butoxycarbonyl - i3 -0-benzyl- Oi - L - aspartyl - L - phenylalanine methyl ester.
"HMMR (DMSO-dJ (5 :1.10 (d, 3H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 2.16-2.41 (m, 4H), 2.58 (m, IH), 2.70-2.82 (m, IH), 2.85-2.95 (dd, IH), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 4.43 (m, IH), 6.53-5.75 (m, 5H), 6.96 (d, 2H) , 8.49 (brd, IH) , 8.75 (brs, IH), 9.80 (brs, IH)

ESI-MS 489.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 25000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 20)
Synthesis of N - [N- [ (RS )-3-( 3 - methyl - 4 - hydroxy-phenyl) butyl] -L- a-aspartyl] -L - phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 11)
N- [N- [ (RS) - 3 - (3-methyl - 4-hydroxy phenyl) butyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 19.7% in the same way as. in Example 14 except using 3 - ( 3 - methyl - 4-benzyloxyphenyl) - 2-butenal in place of 3 - ( 3-methoxy- 4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-butenal.
"HMMR (DMSO-dJ 6 :1.06-1.09 (m, 3H), 1.49-1.54 (m, 2H) , 2.08
(m, 3H), 2.11-2.20 (m, 3H), 2.17-2.33 (m, IH), 2.85- 2.95
(m, 2H) , 3.05-3.09 (m, IH), 3.33-3.37 (m, IH) , 3.61 (s, 3H) ,
4.50-4.55 (m, IH), 6.65 (m, IH), 6.76 (m, IH), 6.84 (s, IH),
7.16-7.28 (m, 5H), 8.47-8.50 (m, IH), 9.02 (brs, IH)
ESI-MS 457.2 (MH*) .
Sweetness, 50000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 21)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3 - (3 - hydroxy - 4 -methoxyphenyl) - (RS) - 2-methylpropyl]-L- oc -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 12)
N- [N- [3 - (3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) - (RS) - 2 -

methylpropyl]-L- Oi -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine l-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 45.6% in the same way as in Example 14 except using 3-{ 3 -benzyloxy- 4 - methoxyphenyl) - 2-methyl-2-propenal in place of 3-(3-methoxy-4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-butenal. ^HMMR (DMSO-dJ 6 : 0.68^0.85 (m, 3H), 1.65-1.82 (m, IH), 2.08- 2.37 (m, 2H), 2.27-2.30 (d, 4H), 2.94-3.10 (m, 2H). 3.43-3.45 (m, IH), 3.62 (s. 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H). 4.48-4.59 (m. IH) , 6.49-6.59 (m, 2H), 6.77-6.80 (m, IH), 7.20-7.29 (m, 5H) , 8.57-8.58 (m, IH), 8.92 (brs, IH) .
ESI-MS 473.4 (MH*)
Sweetness, 5000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 22)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3- { 3-hydroxy - 4 -methylphenyl) -3-
mehylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl] -L- phenylalanine l-methyl ester
(Table 1, compound number 19)
274 mg (0.97 mmol) of 3-[(3 -benzyloxy- 4 - methyl) phenyl] - 3-methylbutyl aldehyde, 353 mg (1.2 mmol) of aspartame and 100 mg of 10% palladium carbon ( containing 50% of water ) were added to 7 ml of methanol and stirred at room temperature for four hours in a hydrogen atmosphere. The catalyst was filtered off and the resulting filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) to produce 299 mg (0.64 mmol, 65.5%) of N- [N- [3 - (3 - hydroxy - 4 -

methylphenyl) - 3 - mehylbutyl] - L - (X - aspartyl ] - L-
phenylalanine l-methyl ester as a solid substance. "HMMR (DMSO-dJ 6 : 1.14 (s, 6H), 1.58-1,70 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H) , 2.07-2.42 (m, 4H) , 2.89 (dd, IH) , 3.03 (dd, IH), 3.30-3.40 (m, IH) , 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.46-4.54 (m. IH), 6.60 (d, IH), 6.73 (s, IH) , 6.94 (d, IH), 7.15-7.30 (m, 5H), 8.46 (brs, IH) 9.08 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 471.3 (MH*)
Sweetness, 60000 times the sweetness of sugar
(Example 23)
Synthesis of N- [N- [3 - (3,4 -dihydroxyphenyl) - 3-mehylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine l-methyl ester (Table 1, compound number 23)
N- [N- [3 - (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl] -L- a -aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine l-methyl ester was obtained as a solid substance with a total yield of 76.5% in the same way as in Example 1 except using 3 - (3,4 -dibenzyloxyphenyl) - 3-methylbutyl aldehide in place of 3 - (3-benzyloxy- 4-methoxyphenyl) - 3-methlbutyl aldehide.
"HMMR (DMSO-dJ 5 : 1.14 (s, 6H), 1.76-1.93 (m, 2H) , 2.40-2.50 (m, 2H) , 2.73-2.80 (m, 2H),"2.91 (dd, IH) , 3.06 (dd, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.95-4.05 (m, IH) 4.45-4.55 (m, IH), 6.52 (d, IH), 6.64-6.70 (m, 2H) , 6.94 (d, IH), 7.15-7.30 (m, 5H), 8.73 (brs, IH), 8.80 (brs, IH), 9.09 (brs, IH).
ESI-MS 473.3 (MH*)

Sweetness, 50000 times the sweetness of sugar
Effect of Invention
The novel N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative according to the present invention is low in calories and exhibits a sweetening potency which is particularly superior, in comparison with conventional sweetening agents. In the present invention, a novel chemical substance which has superior properties as a sweetening agent can be provided. The novel derivative can be used not only for a sweetening agent but also for the affording of sweetness to foods or the like products, such as beverages (drinks) and foods, requiring sweet taste.


1. An N-alkylaspartyl dipeptide ester derivative, . including its salt form, represented by the following general formula (1):

where R^, R^, R3, R4 and Rg are reciprocally independent and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxy alkyloxy group having two or three carbon atoms, or R1 and R10Or R5 and R, combine together and denote a methylene dioxy group,
provided that in case that R,^ and Rj/Or Rj and R3 combined tbgether denote a methylene dioxy group, R, and R5, and R^ or R3 which is not combined with R^ together, are reciprocally independent and denote one of the above-mentioned substituents designated for the symbol;
where Rg, R,, R,, Rg and R^^ are reciprocally independent

and denote a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and optional two substituents selected from R^, R,, Rg, Rg and Rj^o therein may combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms;
provided that, if any optional two substituents selected from R^, R,, Rg, Rg and R^g combine together and denote an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the substituents other than the selected two are reciprocally independent and denote one of said substituents designated for the symbol; wherein R^j, denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a benzyl group, a p-hydroxy benzyl group, a cyclohexyl methyl group, a phenyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a phenyl ethyl group and a cyclohexyl ethyl group, and Rj^2 denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R^^ denotes a substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms;
provided that derivatives in which R^, R,, Rg, Rg and Rj^^ in their entirety denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, those in which Rg denotes a methyl group, and R^, R2, R3, R4, Rj, R7, Rj, Rg Rio and Rj^2 denote a hydrogen atom at the same time and R^^ denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxy benzyl group, at the same time, and those in which R2 denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^,, denotes a methyl group, R^,

R^, R5, Rg, R-y, Rg and Rg denote a hydrogen atom at the same time, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group or a p-hydroxy benzyl group, are excluded.
2. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, Rj, R4, R5, R7, Rg/ R9/ Rio and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^j denote a methyl group and R^j denotes a benzyl group.
3. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, R3, R^, R5, R,, Rg, Rg, R^^^ and Rj^2 denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^^j denote a methyl group, and Rj^i denotes a benzyl group.
4. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, Rj^, R^, R5, R7, Rg, Rg, Rio and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^3 denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
5. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R,^, R^, Rj, R7, Rg- Rg/ Rio and Rj^2 denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and Rj^3 denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
6. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R2
denotes a methoxyl group, R3 denotes a hydroxy group, R^, R^,

Rj, R7, Rj, Rg, Rio and R^^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^^ denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a p - hydroxy benzyl group.
7. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^, R5, R7, Rg, Rj, Rio and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^j denote a methyl group and R^^ denotes a cyclohexyl methyl group.
8. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, Rj, R4, Rj, Rg, R9, R^Q and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and Rj,3 denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
9. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, Rj, R4, R5, R^, R9, R3.0 and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rj, R, and R^j denote a methyl group, and R^i denotes a benzyl group.

10. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, Rj, Rio and" R12 denote a hy(Jrogen atom, R^, R, and R13 denote a methyl group, and Rn denotes a benzyl group.
11. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R2 denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^, ,

Rj, Rg. R9. Rio snd Rj^2 denote a hydrogen atom, Rj, R, and R^^ denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
12. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R2 denotes a methyl group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^^, R^, R5, R7, Rg, Rg, Rio and Rj2 denote a hydrogen atom, R^ and Rj^j denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
13. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, R7, Rj, R^j and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^^ denote a methyl group, and Rj^^ denotes a benzyl group.
14. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, R3, R4, Rg, Rg, Rg, RK, and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^^ denote a methyl group, and Rj^i denotes a benzyl group.
15. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R4, R5, Rg, Rg, Rj^o and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^^j denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
16. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methyl group, R2, R^, Rj, Rg, Rg, Rio and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^j

denote a methyl group, and R denotes a benzyl group.
17. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj and
R3 combine together and denote a methylene dioxy group, Rj^,
^.^^ denote a hydrogen atom, R^, R, and
Ri3 denote a methyl group, and R^j^ denotes a benzyl group.
18. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R2
denotes a methyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^,
R5, Rg, Rg, Rio and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, Rj, R, and R^^
denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
19. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj
denotes a methyl group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R^, R^,
R5, Rg, Rg, Rjo and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R, and R^,
denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
20. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methyl group, R1 R4, R5, R8, R9, R10 and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, R5, R7 and R13 denote a methyl group, and R^i denotes a benzyl group.
21. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R^ denotes a methoxy group, R3 denotes a hydroxyl group, R1, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10 and R12 denote a hydrogen atom, R6 and R7 combine together and denote a tetramethylene group, R^^ denotes a

benzyl group, and R13 denotes a methyl group.
22. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, Rj^, R^, R5, Rg, R5, Rio and R^^ denote a hydrogen atom, Rg and R^ denote a methyl group, Rj^^ denotes a benzyl group, and R^j denotes* an ethyl group.
23. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein Rj denotes a hydroxyl group, R3 denotes a methoxy group, R^, R^, Rg, Rg, Rg and R^g denote a hydrogen atom, R^, R,, Rj^2 ^J^"^ ^13 denote a methyl group, and R^^ denotes a benzyl group.
24. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein R2 and R3 denote a hydroxyl group, R^, R^, R5, Rg, R, , Rio and R^j denote a hydrogen atom, Rg, R,, and R^j denote a methyl group, and Rii denotes a benzyl group.

25. The derivative as defined in anyone claim of claims 1 to 7 and 12 wherein, if the substituents Rg and R, differ from each other, the configuration of the carbon atom to which Rg is linked in said formula is in the state of (R), (S) or (RS) .
26. The derivative as defined in claim 1 or 13 wherein, if the substituents Rg and Rg differ from each other, the

configuration of the carbon atom to which R8 is linked in said formula is in the state of (R), (S) or (RS).
27. The derivative as defined in claim 1 wherein, if
R10 denotes a substituent other than a hydrogen atom, the
configuration of the carbon atom to which R10 is linked in
said formula is in the state of (R), (S) or (RS).
28. A sweetening agent, or a sweetened food or the like
product comprising the derivative as defined in claim 1 as
an effective component, which may optionally contain a
carrier or a bulking agent for the sweetening agents.

29.An N-alky)aspartyl dipeptide ester derivative substantially as hereinbefore described.
30.A sweetening agent substantially as hereinbefore described.

Documents:

in-pct-2001-0347-che abstract.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che claims-duplicate.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che claims.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che correspondence-others.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che correspondence-po.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che description(complete)-duplicate.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che description(complete).pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che form-1.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che form-19.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che form-26.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che form-3.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che form-5.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che others-document.pdf

in-pct-2001-0347-che others.pdf


Patent Number 215989
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2001/347/CHE
PG Journal Number 13/2008
Publication Date 31-Mar-2008
Grant Date 05-Mar-2008
Date of Filing 13-Mar-2001
Name of Patentee AJINOMOTO CO., INC
Applicant Address 15-1, Kyobashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8315,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 AMINO, Yusuke c/o Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. 1-1, Suzuki-cho Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki-shi Kanagawa-ken 210-0801,
2 YUZAWA, Kazuko c/o Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. 1-1, Suzuki-cho Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki-shi Kanagawa-ken 210-0801,
3 TAKEMOTO, Tadashi c/o Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. 1-1, Suzuki-cho Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki-shi Kanagawa-ken 210-0801,
4 NAKAMURA, Ryoichiro c/o Amino Science Laboratories, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. 1-1, Suzuki-cho Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki-shi Kanagawa-ken 210-0801,
PCT International Classification Number C07K 5/075
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP99/04977
PCT International Filing date 1999-09-10
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/169419 1999-06-16 Japan
2 10/264252 1998-09-18 Japan