| abstract |
Sulfate is removed from glycolic acid, prepared by the sulfuric acid catalyzed carbonylation of formaldehyde and intended for use as an intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol by catalytic hydrogenation by treating the glycolic acid with alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate, and esterifying the glycolic acid; the alkali metal sulfate being substantially completely precipitated in and separated from the esterification product. |