| abstract |
Preparation of 4-hydroxy substituted butyrolactones is described. A process for the preparation of 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, 1,2,4-trihydroxybutane and 3,4-dihydroxy acid methyl ester from malic acid is particularly described. The preparation of 4-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxybutyric acid-1-methyl ester and 4-hydroxymethyl butyrolactone is particularly described. The compounds are intermediates to various pharmaceutical and agricultural products. |