Process for the preparation of 2-cyanoacetoxypropionic acid esters.

摘要

To prepare 2-cyanoacetoxypropionic acid esters, a mixture of lactic acid and cyanoacetic acid esters is taken, an alkali metal alkoxide is added as a catalyst and the mixture is heated until the resulting alcohol distils off. The course of the reaction is monitored by means of gas-chromatographic analysis and the reaction is terminated when the maximum content of target product is almost reached. If necessary, the course of the reaction is determined in a small preliminary test. After discontinuation of the reaction, the catalyst is destroyed by acidifying and the reaction mixture is worked up by distillation.