Patents Examined by M. Markowitz
  • Novel catalysts and processes for the photochemical decarboxylation of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids
    Patent number: 4515667
    Abstract: Alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid, are photochemically converted to form high yields of the corresponding alcohol by irradiating a solution containing the alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid in contact with the semiconductor catalyst material. The semiconductor catalyst material is preferably a metal titanium oxide. The photochemical reaction may be carried out over a wide range of temperatures and pressures and in an oxidative or inert atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventor: Rosemary Bartoszek-Loza