METHOD FOR PREPARING METHYL LACTATE

• Main Authors: VAN KRIEKEN, JAN, VAN BREUGEL, JAN, DE HAAN, ANDRE, BANIER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.02.2019

The invention pertains to a process for preparing methyl lactate comprising the steps of - bringing an aqueous liquid comprising lactic acid, methanol, and at least 5 wt. % of a dissolved chloride salt selected from magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and zinc chloride to reaction conditions, thereby obtaining methyl lactate, wherein an extractant is provided to the reaction mixture before, during, and/or after formation of methyl lactate, - subjecting the reaction mixture to a liquid-liquid separation step wherein an organic phase comprising methyl lactate and extractant is separated from an aqueous phase comprising dissolved chloride salt. The extractant preferably comprises one or more compounds selected from C5+ ketones and C3-C1O ethers, in particular C5-C8 ketones, more in particular methyl isobutyl ketone. It has been found that the process according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture methyl lactate efficiently and in high yield. (Fig.4)