Continuous hydrolysis process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid

摘要

A continuous process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid which includes introducing sulfuric acid into a first reactor including a continuous stirred tank reactor and introducing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile into the first reactor. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile is continually hydrolyzed within the first reactor to produce an intermediate aqueous hydrolysis solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide. The intermediate aqueous hydrolysis solution is continuously introduced into a plug flow reactor. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide is continually hydrolyzed within the plug flow reactor to produce an aqueous hydrolyzate product solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid is recovered from the aqueous hydrolyzate product solution.