Interconversion of Lactose to Lactulose in Alkaline Environment: Comparison of Different Catalysis Concepts

Interconversion of lactulose to lactulose with the aim to determine and optimize the yield of ketose was carried out. Various homogenous and heterogeneous alkaline catalysts were applied (NaOH, MgO, hydrotalcite etc.). The selectivity and activity of the catalysts were compared. The results gave insight to the performance differences among the screened catalysts under the various reaction conditions. From the activity performance point of view, the conversion was limited by the formation of acidic end-products. In general, the selectivity decreased with conversion and the conversion-selectivity pattern was independent of the catalyst.