PRODUCTION OF L-ASCORBIC ACID FROM 2-KETO-L-GULONIC ACID WITH AN ACID CATALYST AND A LIPOPHILIC SURFACTANT HAVING A LOW HYDROPHILIC:LIPOPHILIC BALANCE UNDER SUBSTANTIALLY ANHYDROUS CONDITIONS

摘要

A method for producing L-ascorbic acid which comprises (a) forming a substantially anhydrous slurry of 2-keto-l-gulonic acid and at least one lipophilic surfactant having a low hydrophilic:lipophilic balance of from about 4.3 to about 10.2 in a supporting organic layer which optionally contains a co-solvent and (b) reacting said slurry with a substantially anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas acid catalyst to convert said 2-keto-l-gulonic acid to L-ascorbic acid.