Patent ID: 6429319
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A method for producing optically pure (S)-beta-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone from a substituted carboxylic acid derivative by hydrogenation, in which a solution containing 1 to 50% by weight of the substituted carboxylic acid derivative is fed at a WHSV of 0.1 to 10 hâˆ’1, to a fixed bed reactor which is filled with a catalyst and maintained at a reaction temperature of 50 to 550Â° C. under a hydrogen partial pressure of 15 to 5,500 psig, said catalyst having a noble metal as a catalytically effective ingredient and an inorganic oxide as a support, said hydrogen being maintained at a molar ratio of 1:1 to 10:1 relative to the substituted carboxylic acid derivative.