Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the synthesis of D, L-pantolactone by the reaction of (1) of hydroxypivaldehyde with hydrocyanic acid produced in situ followed by (2) hydrolysis of the cyanohydrin obtained. The pantolactone may then be separated from the reaction mixture. Each of the reactions (1) and (2) are conducted under closely controlled conditions of concentration, temperature, pH and time and, by virtue of these conditions, a yield exceeding 90% may be obtained.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydroxy-pivaldehyde which comprises reacting formaldehyde with isobutyraldehyde in an approximate molar ratio of 1:2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of triethylamine, to produce a reaction mixture containing 42 to 50 wt% of hydroxy-pivaldehyde, 28 to 35 wt% of isubutyraldehyde, approximately 18 wt% of water, approximately 2 wt% of triethylamine, and approximately 18 wt% of secondary reaction products, and recovering hydroxy-pivaldehyde therefrom. The recovery steps include adding at least one part by weight of water to 1 part of the solution, distilling the solution obtained under reduced pressure at a temperature below 65.degree. C, to produce a distillate containing isobutyraldehyde, triethylamine and water, and an aqueous solution containing hydroxy-pivaldehyde, cooling the aqueous solution containing hydroxy-pivaldehyde, cooling the aqueous solution containing hydroxy-pivaldehyde to approximately 15.degree. to 20.degree.