Process for producing cis-epoxysuccinates

摘要

PCT No. PCT/JP94/00053 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 24, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 24, 1995 PCT Filed Jan. 17, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO94/17049 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 4, 1994A process for producing a highly pure cis-epoxysuccinate in a high yield while suppressing a production of DL-tartrate as a by-product by epoxidizing a maleate with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an epoxidation catalyst, wherein said epoxidation is carried out in an aqueous solution containing 30 to 90% by volume of a water-soluble alcohol. It is possible to recycle the mother liquor separated of the formed cis-epoxysuccinate to the reaction system. The obtained cis-epoxysuccinate is useful as a polymer resin additive, a detergent builder(surfactant) and an intermediate for producing tartaric acid.