Production of hydroxy carboxylic compounds.

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the production of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic compounds such as lactic acid or its ester by reacting a carbonyl compound having at least one hydroxyl group alpha to the carbonyl function with a hydroxy compound of the formula R<3>OH at elevated temperature in the presence of a transition metal compound as catalyst. Lactic acid and lactates produced by this process are items of commerce and are useful as solvents and chemical intermediates.