Process for preparing pyruvate

摘要

A process for preparing pyruvate in high yield is disclosed, comprising reacting propylene glycol with molecular oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of a platinum catalyst containing a metallic component selected from the group consisting of lead, thallium, and cadmium while controlling the pH of the reaction mixture between 7 and 9. The crude pyruvate can be purified by treating with activated carbon in the presence of water.