Novel catalysts and processes for the photochemical decarboxylation of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids

摘要

Alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid, are photochemically converted to form high yields of the corresponding alcohol by irradiating a solution containing the alpha- hydroxy carboxylic acid in contact with the semiconductor catalyst material. The semiconductor catalyst material is preferably a metal titanium oxide. The photochemical reaction may be carried out over a wide range of temperatures and pressures and in an oxidative or inert atmosphere.