Method for preparing derivatives of ascorbic acid

Abstract

The invention is concerned with a process for the manufacture of ascorbyl phosphates, namely of phosphates of the formula ##STR1## wherein M.sup.k.sym. denotes a cation, k.sup..sym. denotes the valency and m denotes the equivalents, with the proviso that the product from k.m=3, by phsophorylating ascorbic acid. k is 1 to 3, especially 1 or 2. The process comprises using pre-formed sodium (or potassium) dichlorophosphate as the phosphorylating reagent, adding ascorbic acid to this pre-formed phosphorylating reagent in aqueous solution, especially at pH values between about 11.0 and about 13.0, in the presence of a water-soluble trialkylamine as the catalyst and at temperatures between about +10.degree. C. and about -8.degree. C., especially at temperatures below 0.degree. C., and, if desired, trans-salting the I which is obtained as the sodium (or potassium) salt and/or, if desired, purifying via an amine salt.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.