Process for producing hydroxyacetaldehyde

Abstract

This invention provides a process for producing crystalline hydroxyacetaldehyde precipitated from a complex mixture of products provided by the pyrolysis of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock. The method includes distilling a first condensate under reduced pressure to give a second condensate which is enriched in hydroxyacetaldehyde; combining the second condensate with a solvent to give a homogeneous solution; precipitating hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution; and separating the precipitated hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution. Aqueous solutions of hydroxyacetaldehyde are useful for browning foodstuffs and for producing flavors by contacting the hydroxyacetaldehyde with ammonia or amines. In addition, hydroxyacetaldehyde may be used to make an artificial tanning product containing a suitable topical vehicle and an amount of hydroxyacetaldehyde suitable to impart a brown color to skin.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.