TH81055: Process for the preparation of l-lactide of high chemical yield optical purity

A process for the synthesis of 100% optically pure L(+)-lactide catalyzed by zinc and tin metal catalysts of less than 150 micron particle size is disclosed. The L-lactide obtained was further purified to obtain lactide of 100% optical purity and acid impurities less than 10 meq/kg.