PROCESS FOR PREPARING LACTULOSE FROM LACTOSE, IN THE FORM OF A SYRUP OR A CRYSTALLINE PRODUCT

摘要

A process for preparing lactulose from lactose, in the form of a concentrated syrup or high purity crystals, for pharmaceutical use or for use as a sweetener. The process is characterised by using as the lactose epimerising agent a mixture of equal parts of MgO and sodium hydrosulphite, each component being used to the extent of between 0.05 and 0.2% by weight with respect to the lactulose, at a temperature of about 100.degree.C. The epimerisation is complete in a few minutes. The crystalline lactulose is obtained by crystallisation from ethanol.