METHOD FOR PRODUCING α-HYDROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing a high-purity α-hydroxycarboxylic acid containing no formaldehyde and no chlorine-containing compound as impurities. SOLUTION: This method for producing the α-hydroxy carboxylic acid comprises oxidizing (i) a 1,2-diol or (ii) the 1,2-diol and a primary alcohol with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst obtained by supporting a metal on a carrier to give an α-hydroxy carboxylic acid ester and hydrolyzing the α-hydroxy carboxylic acid ester. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO