Hydrothermal Degradation and Kinetic Studies of 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-Propanone and 2,3-Dihydroxypropanal

Abstract
The equilibrium of 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone (dihydroxyacetone) and 2,3-dihydroxypropanal (glyceraldehyde) and their dehydration reaction to methylglyoxal has been studied in the range of 180-240.degree. C under hydrothermal reaction conditions. A reaction mechanism for the conversion of these C-3 compounds was formulated which allowed the calculation of the product yields. In the investigated temperature range both compounds produce a maximum of 30-40% of methylglyoxal.