Process for the preparation of sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate

A process for the formation of a compound having general formula (I):

• by alkaline hydrolysis of a compound having formula (II):
• comprising
• continuously reacting about one equivalent of compound (II);
• and about one equivalent of an aqueous base having, a formula of M-OH (III), wherein M is a cationic species;
• by mixing said compound (II) with said aqueous base (III) to form a mixture, optionally titrating said mixture to ensure an equimolar ratio of reactants, optionally adjusting the pH of said mixture by addition of reactant, optionally processing the reaction in a continuous, semi-continuous, or batch-wise manner after substantial consumption of (II) and/or (III), and concentrating said mixture.

The process for the formation of a compound having general formula (I):

• wherein M is Na, by alkaline hydrolysis of a compound having formula (II):
• comprising
• continuously reacting about one equivalent of compound (II);
• and about one equivalent of an aqueous base having a formula of Na—OH (III);
• by
• mixing said compound (II) with said aqueous base (III) to form a mixture,
• optionally titrating said mixture to ensure an equimolar ratio of reactants,
• optionally adjusting the pH of said mixture by addition of reactant,
• optionally processing the reaction in a continuous, semi-continuous, or batch-wise manner after substantial consumption of (II) and/or (III), and concentrating said mixture.