PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF ALKYL PYRUVATES

摘要

The invention provides an improved process for the manufacture of alkyl pyruvates having general formula (I): CH3-CO-COOR (I) where R represents a C1 to C8 alkyl radical, by controlled oxidation of the corresponding alkyl lactate. The process is characterized in that the controlled oxidation is carried out using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in the presence of catalytic quantities of bromium.