Esterification of 2-keto-l-gulonic acid catalyzed by a solid heteropoly acid

Abstract

The efficacy of a potassium 12-phosphotungstate (KPW) catalyst in the synthesis of methyl 2-keto-L-gulonat from 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLGA) and methanol is investigated. The KPW catalyst gives high yields in short reaction times. The present procedure represents a clean, efficient, practical, simple, mild, time-saving and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of methyl 2-keto-L-gulonat. The KPW catalyst is found to be a truly heterogeneous catalyst, highly efficient and reusable in the synthesis of methyl 2-keto-L-gulonat.