Lactaldehyde → Pyruvic Acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Hydroxypropanal was oxidized with oxygen at atmospheric pressure in a 50 ml flask equipped with a stirrer, condenser and port for gas inlet. Hydroxypropanal solution (2 g in 20 ml water) and a 5% platinum on carbon catalyst (0.1 g) were loaded into the flask with stirring at 60° C. Oxygen was bubbled for 5 hours, the oxidation reaction starting immediately. Reaction rate and product distribution were measured by oxygen consumption, HPLC, and NMR. The results showed 44.4% conversion with a selectivity to lactic acid of 92.4% The only by-product resulted from the further oxidation of lactic acid or hydroxyacetone to pyruvic acid 7.6%).

Provenance & Evidence