Method for catalytically producing methionine analogs - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBA) or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid (HMSeBA) by catalytic conversion of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyronitrile, respectively, characterized in that the conversion is carried out in the presence of water and at least one weak acid and one catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titanium dioxide, and zirconia.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved process for producing the methionine analog 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid or its selenium counterpart 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid from 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyronitrile, respectively. [Background technology]

[0002] The hydroxy analog of methionine, 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBA), its salts, its chelates (especially metal chelates (e.g., chelates of Zn, Ca, Mn, Mg, Cu, Na, etc.)), and its esters (e.g., the isopropyl and t-butyl esters of HMTBA) are widely used in animal nutrition. Selenium derivatives of this acid, its salts, its chelates, and its esters are also components of great interest in animal nutrition.

[0003] 2-Hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid can be prepared by different methods involving various synthetic intermediates, notably 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile (HMTBN) and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyramide (HMTBM).

[0004] US2001 / 0001105A1 describes a continuous process for synthesizing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBA) from 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile (HMTBN). According to US2001 / 0001105A1, in a first step, HMTBN is hydrolyzed to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBM) in the presence of an aqueous solution of a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid, and then in a second step, HMTBM is hydrolyzed to HMTBA. This process has the disadvantage of using a large amount of sulfuric acid (generally in excess relative to HMTBN), resulting in the production of large amounts of by-products such as ammonium bisulfate, which must be separated and are difficult to recycle. Furthermore, this process requires a long residence time of several hours.

[0005] WO2004 / 089863A1 discloses a method for producing the ammonium salt of HMTBA from HMTBN, a nitrile precursor of HMTBA, by converting HMTBN into the ammonium salt of HMTBA in a single step in an aqueous solution in the presence of a titanium-based catalyst. This synthesis also results in the production of methionine and HMTBM, and the reported yield of the ammonium salt of HMTBA is on the order of 1%. This is extremely insufficient, and it is not envisaged that this method can be applied on an industrial scale. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides an alternative to known processes that eliminates the use of sulfuric acid and combines the hydration and hydrolysis steps into a single catalysis step, allowing for exceptionally and unexpectedly high yields of HMTBA or its selenium counterpart.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that a hydroxynitrile intermediate (HMTBN or its selenium equivalent) can be converted to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (or selenohydroxymethionine) in a single step in the presence of at least one catalyst and a weak acid. The utility and performance of this conversion make it feasible to translate this conversion into industrial production of hydroxy analogs of methionine. This invention represents a substantial advance over known synthetic methods and the improvements made thereto that were applicable but insufficient to improve upon conventional industrial processes. Significant yields can be obtained in very short periods of time, and the process avoids the consumption of sulfuric acid and the formation of by-products or synthetic intermediates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a method for preparing a hydroxy analog of methionine or a selenium hydroxy analog of methionine by catalytic conversion of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyronitrile, respectively, wherein the conversion is carried out in the presence of water, at least one weak acid, and a catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titanium dioxide, and zirconia.

[0009] According to the present invention, hydroxynitrile compounds are converted directly to hydroxy acids without the need for laborious separation steps after conversion of the ammonium salts of hydroxy acids according to conventional techniques, resulting in a significant economic improvement.

[0010] Before describing the present invention in more detail, some terms used herein will be defined.

[0011] The term hydroxy acid is used interchangeably with 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyric acid, with or without a distinction between the two. Similarly, the term hydroxynitrile refers to both 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile and 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyronitrile, with or without a distinction between the two. The term hydroxyamide refers to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyroamide or 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutyronitrile, with or without a distinction between the two.

[0012] In the present invention, a weak acid is defined as a weak acid having a constant pK a is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10 at 25°C, or any compound or mixture that behaves in this way. Examples of weak organic acids can be carboxylic acids and polyacids, such as acetic acid, formic acid, which may or may not have one or more functional groups selected from, for example, OH, C=O. Examples of weak mineral acids can be phosphoric acid, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrofluoric acid (HF), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), boric acid (H3BO3), sulfurous acid (H2SO3), hydrocyanic acid (HCN).

[0013] The term catalyst as used generally refers to the active stage of the catalyst and does not exclude that the catalyst may be doped and / or supported.

[0014] Alumina, titanium dioxide, and zirconia refer to all polymorphs (if any) of aluminum oxide Al2O3, titanium dioxide TiO2, and zirconium dioxide ZrO2, respectively. These forms are well known to those skilled in the art. The catalyst can also be a combination of two or three of alumina, titanium dioxide, and zirconia. The catalyst can also contain any other entity that promotes its catalytic function.

[0015] The features, applications and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below, it being understood that these features can be considered independently of one another or in any combination.

[0016] The weak acid preferably has a pK a The weak acid is an organic acid or mineral acid having one or more carboxyl groups, having a Mn of 1 or more at 25°C, preferably 10 or less at 25°C, more preferably 7 or less at 25°C. In practice, the weak acid has a boiling point of 170°C or less, preferably 150°C or less, or even 120°C or less, for easier separation from the reaction medium (usually by distillation). Such acids that can be used according to the invention are in particular selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, linear or branched butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, carbonic acid, glycolic acid, thioacetic acid, cyanoacetic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, methionine or its selenium equivalent, or a hydroxy analogue of methionine or its selenium equivalent. These acids can be used alone or in any mixture with one another. According to one variant, the acids are selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, linear or branched butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, carbonic acid, glycolic acid, thioacetic acid, cyanoacetic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid and oxalic acid. Preferably, the acids used are formic acid, acetic acid and / or propionic acid. According to another variant of the invention, the weak acids are mineral acids such as phosphoric acid, dihydrogen phosphate, etc., used alone or in mixtures.

[0017] The weak acid is added so that the molar ratio of weak acid to hydroxynitrile is 0.001 to 50, preferably 0.001 to 30, more preferably 0.001 to 10, or even 0.001 to 1. In practice, the molar concentration of the weak acid in the reaction medium varies between 0.05 M and 10 M, preferably between 0.1 M and 2 M, more preferably between 0.2 M and 1 M.

[0018] According to the invention, the catalyst is chosen from alumina, titanium dioxide and zirconia. This compound constitutes at least the active phase of the catalyst (and, if necessary, the support). Thus, if the catalyst does not consist exclusively of one or more of these oxides, it may contain any other compound that does not affect or even enhance the performance of the catalyst. In one variant of the invention, the catalyst consists of one of these oxides.

[0019] The catalyst may be doped and / or supported. The catalyst may be doped with any element or compound conventionally used and known to those skilled in the art. For example, the catalyst may be doped with sulfate (SO), phosphate (PO), tungstate (WO), borate (BO), or a compound of the formula H. n XM 12 O 40 and H n X2M 18 O 62 wherein n is an integer, preferably 10 or less, X represents Si, Ge, P or As, and M represents Mo or W, for example, a heteropoly acid having the formula H6P2Mo 18 O 62 The catalyst may be doped with one or more compounds selected from the following compounds: PO4, SO4 and H6P2Mo (phosphomolybdic acid), and any other dopant compound that imparts acidity to the catalyst. 18 O 62 If the catalyst does not consist of alumina, titanium dioxide and / or zirconia, it can also be supported by any other compound conventionally used and well known to those skilled in the art, in particular silica and silicoaluminates.

[0020] According to the invention, all of the above solid catalysts can be in powder form, or preferably in the form of beads, extrudates, tablets, trilobes, or any other form that allows them to be used in batch mode in fixed-bed or other types of continuous reactors, or in open or pressurized reactors.

[0021] The specific surface area of ​​the above catalyst is 10m 2 / g or more. Below this limit, the performance of the catalyst decreases sharply, in particular the selectivity for hydroxy acids decreases in favor of the selectivity for hydroxyamides, and the conversion of hydroxynitriles decreases. This observation also applies to the selenium equivalent. The specific surface area is 50 m 2 / g or more. The upper limit of the specific surface area is not critical in the context of the present invention. A commercially available active stage is required for the present invention. The specific surface area values ​​given herein are determined by the most common method, i.e., nitrogen physisorption, and calculated by the BET method.

[0022] In a preferred implementation of the method of the present invention, the catalyst is present in a mass concentration of 0.1% to 200%, preferably 0.5% to 100%, more preferably 1% to 50%, relative to the mass of HMTBN.

[0023] According to the invention, various installations for carrying out the reaction batchwise or continuously are conceivable. The solid catalyst, doped or not, can be fixed in the reactor in the form of granules or extrudates or in any other form, or can be supported on a metal foam. The reactors associated with this type of catalyst are preferably tubular or multi-tubular fixed bed or catalyst-coated exchange reactors operating in trickle or submerged isothermal or adiabatic mode.

[0024] The conversion of HMTBN within the scope of the present invention is advantageously carried out at temperatures ranging from 20 to 200°C, preferably from 50 to 180°C, and more preferably from 80 to 170°C. Over reaction periods ranging from about 10 minutes to 3 hours, the reaction slows significantly at temperatures below 20°C, and from 180°C onward, increasing selectivity for methionine, dinitriles, and methionine polypeptides, while decreasing selectivity for 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid, has been observed. Selectivity for hydroxy acids is highest in the range of 100 to 180°C.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the contact time of the reaction mixture containing water, hydroxynitrile and the acid with the catalyst ranges from 30 seconds to 1 hour, preferably from 1 to 30 minutes, and even more preferably from 2 to 20 minutes.

[0026] The hydroxynitrile is generally present as an aqueous solution, which may be prepared for carrying out the above process. The weak acid used in the reaction may be added to the aqueous hydroxynitrile solution or may be added via a mixer prior to entering the catalytic reactor.

[0027] The concentration of hydroxynitrile, especially if very high, can affect the performance of the process. Thus, according to one variant of the invention, the concentration of hydroxynitrile in the aqueous solution is in the range of 0.01 to 10 M, preferably 0.05 to 1 M. Above 1 M, however, the conversion to hydroxynitrile remains strong, while the selectivity for hydroxy acids decreases, while the selectivity for hydroxyamides, dinitriles and even polypeptides increases, respectively.

[0028] The present invention also relates to the continuous implementation of the method of the present invention. According to this variant, the method is carried out under a pressure ranging from 1 to 20 bar, preferably from 2 to 10 bar. The present invention therefore provides a device for the hydroxynitrile solution, comprising a tank to which a weak acid is added. The resulting hydroxyacid solution is pumped into a reactor, which contains the catalyst and is heated by a sleeve or oven at a temperature of 80 to 180 °C. The reaction medium is drawn through a gas / liquid separator, from which the gas is removed, and the liquid is treated to recover the hydroxyacid. The solution is then evaporated to separate the excess water used and the weak acid, which may or may not form an azeotrope. It is then advantageous to reuse these compounds in the method. The phase containing the hydroxyacid can then be stripped to remove all or part of the ammonia constituting the ammonium salt of the hydroxyacid. To completely recover the hydroxy acid in its acid form (2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid or the corresponding selenic acid) and completely recycle the ammonia formed during the hydrolysis of the HMBTM intermediate in the catalytic step, an additional electrodialysis step or other techniques known to those skilled in the art may be considered. As with the synthesis of HCN, it is advantageous to recycle the recovered ammonia upstream of the hydroxy acid production process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] The present invention and its advantages over the prior art are illustrated in the following examples with reference to the following figures: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the conversion of HMTBN, selectivity for HMTBA, selectivity for methionine, and selectivity for HMTBM as a function of time for the reaction according to the process of the invention under the conditions described in Example 1. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows the conversion of HMTBN, selectivity for HMTBA, selectivity for methionine, and selectivity for HMTBM as a function of time for the reaction according to the process of the invention under the conditions described in Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In the following experimental part, Examples 1-6 illustrate various variations of the method of the present invention.

[0031] Examples 7 and 8 illustrate a variation of the subject matter of Example 6, as well as a technique for doping a catalyst to obtain a doped catalyst that can be used in the process of the present invention.

[0032] Example 9 illustrates the separation of hydroxy acid salts into hydroxy acids.

[0033] Examples 10-15 illustrate, by comparison, methods outside the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of titanium dioxide and acetic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0035] [ka]

[0036] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 14.0 g of HMTBN is introduced with 2000 ml of H2O and 60 mg of acetic acid. The solution is stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and then injected into a tubular reactor heated to 120°C at a flow rate of 0.05 ml / min (contact time: 24 min). The tubular reactor contains 60 grams of TiO2 (anatase, 150 m 2 / g, Norpro, ST 61120).

[0037] The reaction is followed by HPLC. The yield of HMTBA is 88%.

[0038] Example 2: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of titanium dioxide and acetic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0039] [ka]

[0040] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN is introduced with 990 ml of H2O and 10 ml of acetic acid. The solution is stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contains 4 grams of TiO2 (anatase, 150 ml). 2 / g, Norpro, ST 61120). The resulting HMTBA salt is converted to HMTBA by removing ammonia according to the technique illustrated in Example 9.

[0041] The reaction is followed by HPLC. The conversion of HMTBN, selectivity for HMTBA, selectivity for methionine and selectivity for HMTBM as a function of time are shown in Figure 1.

[0042] The yield of HMTBA was 95% and that of methionine was 5%.

[0043] Example 3: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of titanium dioxide and acetic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0044] [ka]

[0045] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN was introduced with 800 ml of HO and 200 ml of acetic acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contained 4 grams of TiO (anatase, 150 ml). 2 / g, Norpro, ST 61120). The resulting HMTBA salt is converted to HMTBA by removing ammonia according to the technique illustrated in Example 9.

[0046] The reaction is followed by HPLC. The conversion of HMTBN, selectivity for HMTBA, selectivity for methionine and selectivity for HMTBM as a function of time are shown in FIG.

[0047] The yield of HMTBA was 89% and that of methionine was 11%.

[0048] Example 4: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of titanium dioxide and formic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0049] [ka]

[0050] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN was introduced with 990 ml of HO and 10 ml of formic acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contained 4 grams of TiO (anatase, 150 ml). 2 / g, Norpro, ST 61120).

[0051] After 2 hours of the reaction, HPLC is performed.

[0052] The resulting HMTBA salt is converted to HMTBA by removing ammonia according to the technique illustrated in Example 9.

[0053] The yield of HMTBA was 90% and that of methionine was 10%.

[0054] Example 5: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of sulfate-doped alumina and acetic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0055] [ka]

[0056] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN was introduced with 800 ml of H2O and 200 ml of acetic acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contained 4 grams of Al2O3 (gamma, 300 ml). 2 / g, IFPEN, 33006 GFSA 401, alumina doped with 10 wt.% sulfate functional groups).

[0057] After 2 hours of the reaction, HPLC is performed.

[0058] The resulting HMTBA salt is converted to HMTBA by removing ammonia according to the technique illustrated in Example 9.

[0059] The yield of HMTBA was 96% and that of methionine was 4%.

[0060] Example 6: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of zirconia and acetic acid according to the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0061] [ka]

[0062] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN was introduced with 800 ml of H2O and 200 ml of acetic acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contained 6 grams of ZrO2 (monoclinic, 100 ml). 2 / g, Norpro, XZ 16075).

[0063] After 2 hours of the reaction, HPLC is performed.

[0064] The resulting HMTBA salt is converted to HMTBA by removing ammonia according to the technique illustrated in Example 9.

[0065] The yield of HMTBA was 74% and that of methionine was 16%.

[0066] Example 7: Preparation of 10 wt% sulfate (SO4)-doped TiO2 using sulfuric acid In a 1 liter flask, 20 g of TiO2 (anatase, 150 m 2 100 ml of sulphuric acid (Norpro, ST 61120) powder is introduced with 500 ml of water and 2.04 g of sulphuric acid. The solution is stirred for 2 hours at room temperature, and then the water is evaporated. The powder obtained is then dried at 200°C for 3 hours and then calcined in air at 700°C for 2 hours. Elemental analysis is carried out to determine the sulphur content of the catalyst. It is observed that the sulphur content of the catalyst is 3.4% by weight, which corresponds to 10% by weight of sulphate.

[0067] Example 8: Preparation of 10 wt% sulfate (SO4)-doped TiO2 using ammonium sulfate In a 1 liter flask, 20 g of TiO2 (anatase, 150 m 2The powder (Norpro, ST 61120) is introduced with 500 mL of water and 2.78 g of sulfuric acid. The solution is stirred for 2 hours at room temperature, and then the water is evaporated. The powder obtained is then dried at 200°C for 3 hours and then calcined in air at 700°C for 2 hours. Elemental analysis is carried out to determine the sulfur content. The sulfur content of the catalyst is observed to be 3.2% by weight, which corresponds to 9.8% by weight of sulfate.

[0068] Example 9: Conversion of the ammonium salt of HMTBA to HMTBA The HMTBA ammonium salt solution obtained according to the invention is concentrated with respect to organic matter to an organic matter content of 87% by weight. The temperature of the medium is changed from 100°C to 130°C (atmospheric pressure). After this concentration step, the conversion to HMTBA increases to 21% (mol). A steam stripping stage is then carried out. Stripping water is introduced in liquid form. The organic matter content is maintained constant at 87% by weight. The temperature is fixed at 115-121°C. The stripping rate is 3.8-4.3 ml / min. Under these conditions, after 200 minutes, a conversion to HMTBA of 47% is obtained. Further stripping steps result in HMTBA in a yield of approximately 100%.

[0069] Example 10: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of acetic acid, not forming part of the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0070] [ka]

[0071] In a 20 ml screw cap bottle, 0.131 g of HMTBN was introduced along with 8 ml of HO and 2 ml of acetic acid. The solution was stirred at 160° C. for 10 minutes.

[0072] The solution is analyzed by HPLC and no reaction is observed.

[0073] Example 11: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of formic acid, not forming part of the present invention The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0074] [ka]

[0075] In a 20 ml screw cap bottle, 0.131 g of HMTBN was introduced along with 9 ml of HO and 1 ml of acetic acid. The solution was stirred at 160° C. for 10 minutes.

[0076] The solution is analyzed by HPLC and no reaction is observed.

[0077] Example 12: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of titanium dioxide according to the prior art The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0078] [ka]

[0079] In a 1 liter screw cap bottle, 13.1 g of HMTBN was introduced with 1000 ml of HO. The solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen and injected into a tubular reactor heated to 160°C at a flow rate of 0.1 ml / min (contact time: 10 min). The reactor contained 4 grams of TiO (anatase, 150 ml). 2 / g, Norpro, ST 61120).

[0080] The reaction is followed by HPLC, the yield of HMTBA is 1% and that of methionine is 15%.

[0081] Example 13: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of gamma-phase alumina according to the prior art The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0082] [ka]

[0083] In a 10 ml screw cap bottle, 0.4 g of γ-Al2O3 (300 ml) 2 / g), then 0.1 g of HMTBN (97%) was introduced along with 1 ml of water. The solution was heated at 90° C. for 60 minutes, after which the solution was filtered and analyzed by proton NMR.

[0084] No conversion of HMTBN is observed.

[0085] Example 14: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of gamma-phase alumina according to the prior art The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0086] [ka]

[0087] In a 20 ml screw cap bottle, 0.4 g of γ-Al2O3 (300 ml) 2 / g), then 1.1 g of HMTBN (97%) was introduced together with 10 ml of water. The solution was heated at 90° C. for 18 hours, after which the solution was filtered and analyzed by proton NMR.

[0088] A yield of 30% HMTBN and 6% HMTBA is observed.

[0089] Example 15: Preparation of HMTBA in the presence of TiO2 anatase according to the prior art The hydrolysis reaction of HMTBN and the conditions under which it is carried out are depicted in the diagram below.

[0090] [ka]

[0091] In a 10 ml screw cap bottle, add 1 g of TiO2 (as anatase) (90 ml 2 / g), then 1.1 g of HMTBN (97%) was introduced along with 1 ml of water. The solution was heated at 90° C. for 96 hours, after which the solution was filtered and analyzed by proton NMR.

[0092] HMTBM and HMTBA are not observed at all.

[0093] Comparing the results of Examples 1-6 of the present invention with those obtained in processes without catalysts (Examples 10 and 11) or without weak acids (Examples 12-15) shows that the process of the present invention significantly improves the performance of hydroxy acid production, which is also unexpected.

Claims

1. 1. A process for preparing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMTBA) by catalytic conversion of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile (HMTBN), comprising: The conversion is Water and at least, One weak acid, a catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titanium dioxide, and zirconia; is carried out in a single step in the presence of 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the weak acid is selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, linear or branched butanoic acid, and pentanoic acid.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the weak acid is selected from acetic acid, formic acid and propionic acid.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the weak acid is present in an amount of at least 1 molar equivalent relative to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mass concentration of the catalyst is between 0.1 and 200% relative to the mass of HMTBN.

5. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the mass concentration of the catalyst is 0.5 to 100%.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the mass concentration of the catalyst is 1 to 50%.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration ranging from 0.01 to 10 M.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1 M.

9. The BET specific surface area of ​​the catalyst is 10 m ２ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the solubility is 1 / g or more.

10. The BET specific surface area of ​​the catalyst is 50 m ２ The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the solubility is 1 / g or more.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the catalyst is doped.

12. The dopant is a sulfate, a phosphate, a borate, a tungstate, and a compound of the formula H ｎ XM １２ O ４０ and H ｎ X ２ M １８ O ６２ wherein n is an integer less than or equal to 10, X represents Si, Ge, P or As, and M represents Mo or W.

13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the conversion is carried out at a temperature ranging from 20 to 200°C.

14. 14. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that the conversion is carried out at a temperature ranging from 50 to 180°C.

15. 15. The process according to claim 14, characterized in that the conversion is carried out at a temperature ranging from 80 to 170°C.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the method is carried out continuously.

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