Abstract

Hydroxycarboxylic acids are an important group of chemicals, with several members that are commercially manufactured in large volumes and have a wide range of applications. Two -hydroxycarboxylic acids, lactic and glycolic, and a derivative of -hydroxycarboxylic acid -butyrolactone are discussed in detail because of their relative commercial importance, both current and future. General classes of reactions that these acids undergo are also discussed, with specific examples of those reactions that are or could become commercially important.

Current manufacturing processes for lactic and glycolic acids and -butyrolactone are briefly outlined, with estimates of the production volume and market size for various applications. For lactic acid production and manufacture of its derivatives for biodegradable polymers, new processes are emerging, and some of the recent patents and emerging technologies are highlighted. Some of the important uses of hydroxycarboxylic acids are related to environmentally friendly products and processes such as biodegradable plastics for consumer products and nontoxic and easily degradable solvents, cleaning agents, plasticizers, etc. The emergence of new technologies for efficient and economical manufacture of these chemicals, combined with these product opportunities, could make these hydroxycarboxylic acids very large-volume chemicals of global commercial importance.