Patent ID: 6639095
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for preparing &agr;-hydroxy acids and derivatives thereof, comprising the step of subjecting the alkylated 1,3-dioxolanones of formula IV wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each independently H or C1-6 alkyl; R5 is H, C1-16 alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; and R6 is C1-8 alkyl, C2-7 alkenyl or unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, to either (i) alcoholysis, when R5 is H, to form &agr;-hydroxy acids derivatives of formula V wherein R6 is C1-8 alkyl, C2-7 alkenyl or unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, and R7 is C1-6 alkyl, and isolating the resulting product; or (ii) hydrolysis, when R5 is C1-16 alkyl or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, to form &agr;-hydroxy acids of formula VI wherein R5 is H, C1-16 alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; and R6 is C1-8 alkyl, C2-7 alkenyl or unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, and isolating the resulting products (V) and (VI).