Green Synthesis of beta-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)lactic Acid

A new method has been developed for the synthesis of beta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactic acid, an active ingredient for the treatment of myocardial ischemia. Pd/C catalysts were used in the key reduction reaction to replace the traditionally used toxic Zn/Hg catalysts. A significantly high product yield of 99.7 % was obtained under the optimal reaction conditions, through the use of orthogonal experimental design, when reaction temperature, catalyst (5 % Pd/C) amount and pressure were 60 degrees C, 20 wt % and 1.0 MPa, respectively.