A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 3-HYDROXY-γ-BUTYROLACTONE

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 3-hydroxy-y-butyrolactone (V) which comprises: (a) reacting a mixture of a 3-leaving group substituted precursor compound selected from the group consisting of a pentose, a furanose and a pentanal of the formula, as given in the description, with a solvent containing a peroxide in the presence of a base to produce 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (I) and a protonated leaving group; and (b) treating the 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (I) with an acid and heat to form the 3-hydroxy-y-butyrolactone (V).