Patent ID: 6166250
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: A23K,B01J,C07C

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid comprising:concurrently introducing into a continuous stirred tank reaction vessel water, 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile, and a concentrated sulfuric acid stream having a strength of between about 70% by weight and about 99% by weight, thereby forming a mixture in said vessel comprising sulfuric acid having a strength of between about 50% and about 70% by weight on an organic-free basis;continuously hydrolyzing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile within said continuous stirred tank reaction vessel to produce an intermediate aqueous hydrolysis solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide;adding water to said intermediate solution;introducing the intermediate aqueous hydrolysis solution into a plug flow reactor; andcontinuously hydrolyzing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide in said plug flow reactor to produce an aqueous hydrolyzate product solution containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid.