Degussa Aktiengesellschaft

Martin Meier

Thomas Haas

Dietrich Arntz

Andreas Freund

Christoph Brossmer

3-hydroxy propionic acid is obtained in high yield through the catalytic oxidation of 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde with O.sub.2 or an O.sub.2 -containing gas in the aqueous phase in the presence of a platinum-group catalyst, in particular a Pd or Pt supported catalyst. The catalyst is used in a quantity corresponding to at least 10 percent by weight of the platinum-group metal relative to 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde.

Process for the production of 3-hydroxy propionic acid or a salt thereof

Malonic acid or a salt of the same is obtained at high yield according to the invention through the catalytic oxidation with oxygen or an O.sub.2 -containing gas of 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde or 3-hydroxy propionic acid in the aqueous phase. The conversion takes place in the presence of at least 10 percent by weight, relative to the C.sub.3 building block used, of a precious metal from the platinum group. Pd and Pt supported catalysts are preferred.

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Werl, Germany

Martin Meier