PROCESS FOR RECOVERING AND IMPROVING PRODUCTION OF MESO-LACTIDE FROM A CRUDE LACTIDE CONTAINING STREAM

摘要

A process for the recovery and production of meso-lactide from a crude lactide containing stream may include subjecting a starting crude lactide stream to a first distillation step to obtain: a top stream mainly containing meso-lactide; a bottom stream; and a side stream mainly containing L-lactide and meso-lactide. The process may include recovering the side stream and subjecting the side stream to a melt crystallization step to obtain: a first purified stream mainly containing L-lactide; and a drain stream mainly containing meso-lactide and L-lactide. The process may include recovering the top stream and drain stream, and subjecting the top stream and drain stream to a second distillation step to obtain a second purified stream containing L-lactide and meso-lactide.