Robert L Langford

US Patent:

57314713, Mar 24, 1998

Filed:

Oct 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/547932

Inventors:

Dennis J. Miller - Okemos MI
James E. Jackson - Haslett MI
Robert H. Langford - Lafayette IN
Garry C. Gunter - Houston TX
Man Sang Tam - East Lansing MI
Prashant B. Kokitkar - Lansing MI

Assignee:

Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University - East Lansing MI

International Classification:

C07C 4500

US Classification:

568397

Abstract:

A process for the preparation of purified 2,3-pentanedione from lactic compound which is lactic acid or a lactic acid ester. The process uses elevated temperatures between about 250. degree. to 370. degree. C. for heating a support (catalyst 16) and pressures between about 0. 1 to 10 MPa to produce the 2,3-pentanedione in a reaction mixture. The lactic compound is converted primarily to 2,3-pentanedione, acrylic acid, and acetaldehyde at the elevated temperatures over the catalyst. The 2,3-pentanedione is preferably separated from the reaction mixture as an azeotrope with water at about 80. degree. to 90. degree. C. and then cooled to separate the 2,3-pentanedione from the water.