Process for preparing a 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate amino acid salt and method of use.

A process for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate or a amino acid salt thereof, in a molar ratio of 0.1:100 to 100:0.1 comprising the steps of:

• a) reacting a inorganic alkali in water and combining a halogen at a temperature of −25 to 50 degree Celsius to provide a acid solution,
• b) reacting the product of step a) in a organic alcohol and water solution;
• decoloring the solution with a inorganic anion;
• adjusting the water layer to a ph of −4 to 7 with a inorganic acid;
• and
• extracting the water layer with a organic alcohol to provide a HMB alcohol solution,
• c) reacting the product of step b) in water and combining a amino acid at 1 to 100 degree Celsius;
• separating the water layer from the mixture;
• and
• removing the water under vacuum for the recovery of HMB amino acid salt.