(CAS NO.: ), which is known as , ethyl ester, could be produced through the following synthetic route.

In a 1-l. round-bottomed flask fitted with a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer are placed 130 ml. of saturated aqueous magnesium sulfate solution, 500 ml. of light petroleum ether, 50 g. (0.42 mole) of ethyl lactate, and 20 g. (0.13 mole) of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate. The stirrer is started, the temperature is brought to 15° by means of an ice-water bath, and 55 g. (0.35 mole) of powdered potassium permanganate is added during 25–30 minutes. Stirring is continued until the oxidation is complete, the temperature being kept near 15° throughout the process. The petroleum ether solution is decanted and the sludge stirred with three 50-ml. portions of light petroleum ether. The combined petroleum ether extracts are evaporated on a steam bath under a short fractionating column. The residual oil is shaken thoroughly with two 10-ml. portions of a saturated aqueous calcium chloride solution and then distilled under reduced pressure. Almost the whole product boils at 56–57°/20 mm. The yield is 25–27 g. (51–54%) of nearly pure ethyl pyruvate, n_D20 1.4053. This product compares favorably with material prepared by esterification of pyruvic acid. Further purification may be effected through the sodium bisulfite compound.