Preparation of alkyl pyruvates
AssigneeBASF SE
InventorsChristian Dudeck, Gunter Lehmann, Bernd Meissner, Hans Diem, Werner Fliege, Norbert Petri, Karl-Heinz Ross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Alkyl pyruvates are prepared by oxidizing alkyl lactates in the presence of a silver catalyst of a defined particle size, at from 450.degree. to 700.degree. C. The products are starting materials for the preparation of drugs, synthetic resins and plastics.
Claims11
A process for the preparation of an alkyl pyruvate of the formula ##STR4## where R is an alkyl radical, by oxidizing a lactic acid ester in the presence of a metal catalyst at an elevated temperature, wherein an alkyl lactate of the formula ##STR5## where R has the above meaning, is reacted with free oxygen in the presence of a catalyst of silver crystals having a particle size of from 0.01 micrometer to 2.5 millimeters, at from 450.degree. to 700.degree. C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.