| abstract |
A process for the production of alkyl R-lactate from an initial compound is provided, which comprises the substructure of formula (1). The process involves producing an intermediate compound comprising R, R- and S, S-Iactide from the initial compound, in which the initial compound is subjected to stereoisomerization conditions; and reacting at least a portion of the intermediate compound with an alkyl alcohol to produce a product comprising alkyl R-lactate, wherein alkyl R-Iactate is produced in the presence of an enzyme. Processes for the production of R-lactic acid, oligomeric R-lactic acid, R, R-Iactide, poly-R-lactic acid and stereocomplex lactic acid are also provided. |