METHOD OF PROCESSING AMMONIUM LACTATE INTO LACTIC ACID AND ESTERS THEREOF Russian patent published in 2014 - IPC C07C51/02 C07C59/08 C07C69/68 C07C67/08 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method of processing ammonium lactate into lactic acid and esters thereof. The disclosed method is carried out by bringing aqueous ammonium lactate solution into contact with a hydroxyl-containing compound in a vertical mass-exchange apparatus at high temperature and pressure, removing reaction by-products, primarily with a stream of steam and end products, primarily with a liquid stream. The process is carried out in adiabatic conditions in one or more mass-exchange apparatus.

EFFECT: method simplifies the process of converting ammonium lactate and reduces power consumption, prevents salt deposits on heated surfaces, reduces the amount of alcohol fed into the reaction, while maintaining a high degree of conversion of ammonium lactate and short duration of the process.

5 cl, 4 dwg, 5 ex