Lactobacillus helvetics

Racemic DL-lactic acid can be synthesized by fermentation using appropriate bacteria Lactobacillus helvetics in Table 1.1), but it is more easily synthesized by following the chemical process shown in Scheme 1.3. Here, the DL-lactic acid is produced by hydrolysis of lactonitrile that is generally formed by the addition reaction of acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. Industrially, the lactonitrile is obtained as a by-product of acrylonitrile production (Sohio process).The lactic acid thus prepared is purified by distillation of its ester as described above. 

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