4,4-dimethyloxetan-2-one

Conditions: temp:0.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: A solution of sodium hydroxide (127.3 g; 3.15 mol) in water (1.5 l) was cooled to 0° C. Then, crude 4,4-dimethyloxetan-2-one (=β-isovalerolactone; 336.7 g; 3 mol; obtained by reacting ketene with acetone) was added dropwise in the course of approximately 2¼ h with vigorous stirring, with the temperature being kept from 1.5 to 2° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for a further 15 min at 0° C. and then heated for a further 40 min at 22° C. Then 415 g of water were distilled off at 300 mbar in the course of approximately 3 h. In this manner 1533 g of a solution containing approximately 27.5% by weight of sodium 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate were obtained. being kept from 1.5 to 2° C heated for a further 40 min at 22° C Then 415 g of water were distilled off at 300 mbar in the course of approximately 3 h In this manner 1533 g of a solution containing approximately 27.5% by weight of sodium 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate were obtained