Method for the production of L-ascorbic acid by lactonization of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or s2-keto-L-gulonate esters

US6617463B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Andreas Böttcher · Mettmann, DE
• Wolfram Burst · Mannheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 9, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 7, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61P3/02
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of L-ascorbic acid, in which free 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or C3-C10-alkyl 2-keto-L-gulonate is lactonized under acidic conditions in the presence of a water-miscible solvent and where this solvent in situ forms a solvent in which the ascorbic acid formed is poorly soluble.