PURPOSE: To obtain 2-chloropropionic acid which is useful as a synthetic intermediate of agrochemicals under reduced corrosive conditions, practically in high selectivity, by using a specific compound, as a catalyst, to effect liquid-phase oxidation of 2-chloropropionaldehyde with O2.
CONSTITUTION: 2-Chloropropionaldehyde of formula I is oxidized in a solvent, preferably 2-chloropropionic acid or acetic acid, in a concentration of 5W15wt.%, in the presence of a catalyst of an indium compound such as indium oxide, indium hydroxide, indium sulfate or a thallium compound such as thallious sulfate, thallious oxide, thallious chloride, in liquid phase, using O2 or O2- containing gas, preferably at 40W90°C, at an oxygen partial of 5W100kg/cm2 to obtain 2-chloropropionic acid of formula II which is useful as an industrial chemical. The amount of the catalyst used is preferably 0.01W5wt.%.
KASUGA TAKAHARU
KIYONO SHINJI
