Menthyl lactate process
US7173146B1 · kind B1 · utility
5Cited by
1References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C67/30
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A simple, high-yield process for making menthyl lactate (ML) is disclosed. Menthol and lactic acid react to produce a mixture comprising menthyl lactate and one or more higher lactoyl esters of ML. Hydrolysis of the esterification mixture follows in the presence of aqueous base under conditions effective to convert the higher lactoyl esters to menthyl lactate. Coincidentally, the conditions minimize hydrolysis of menthyl lactate to menthol, thereby maximizing the overall yield of ML.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.