Zeolite-catalyzed preparation of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids and esters thereof
A process for the production of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or esters thereof by conversion of glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose and glycolaldehyde dissolved in a solvent in presence of a solid Lewis acidic catalyst.
1. A process for the production of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or esters of lactic acid and esters of 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid by conversion of glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose or glycolaldehyde dissolved in a solvent in presence of a solid Lewis acidic catalyst, wherein the catalyst is a zeotype material with Lewis acidic properties containing tetravalent metals selected from Sn, Pb, Ge, Ti, Zr and/or Hf incorporated in the framework.
2. A process of claim 1 , wherein the zeotype material has a structure type BEA, MFI, MEL, MTW, MOR, LTL, FAU.
3. A process of claim 2 , wherein the zeotype material has incorporated in its framework tetravalent Sn.
4. A process of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is water.
5. A process of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is selected from a C 1 to C 4 alcohol.
6. A process of claim 5 , wherein the solvent further contains a secondary solvent.