A PROCESS FOR PREPARING A MIXTURE OF 2-KETOGULONIC AND 2-KETOGLUCONIC ACID OR SALTS OF THESE ACIDS

摘要

By subjecting 2,5-diketogluconic acid, its alkyl esters and its salts to a reduction using an alkali metal borohydride, 2-ketogulonic acid is formed at the same time as smaller amounts of 2-ketogluconic acid. 2-Ketogulonic acid is easily converted to ascorbic acid or vitamin C by treatment with a strong acid.