Process for the production of 2-hydroxy-4-methylmercaptobutyric acid

US6475370B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Degussa AG · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Lehmann · Langenselbold, DE
• Rolf Schneider · Burgstetten, DE
• Christoph Weckbecker · Gelnhausen, DE
• Elisabeth Dunach · Villeneuve-Loubet, FR
• Sandra Olivero · Nice, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 17, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 5, 2002
• Expiry date: Aug 17, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C25B3/25
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the production of 2-hydroxy-4-methylmercaptobutyric acid (MHA) by electrochemical carboxylation of 3-methylmercapto-propionaldehyde in an undivided electrolytic cell containing a sacrificial anode, in an aprotic solvent in the presence of a supporting electrolyte. Preferred anode/cathode combinations are Mg/Mg and Mg/carbon. MHA is obtainable in a high yield.