A process is disclosed for converting a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R" are independently methyl, ethyl or propyl; R' is H, Na, Li, K, Mg.sub.1/2, Ca.sub.1/2, Sr.sub.1/2, Ba.sub.1/2, methyl, ethyl or propyl; and Q is chlorine or bromide; directly to a citrate salt by heating in an aqueous medium, with an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, at a temperature greater than 160.degree. C.
                            揭示了一种将化合物转化为
柠檬酸盐的过程,其中化合物的
化学式为##STR1##其中R和R"独立地为甲基、乙基或丙基;R'为H、Na、Li、K、Mg.sub.1/2、Ca.sub.1/2、Sr.sub.1/2、Ba.sub.1/2、甲基、乙基或丙基;Q为
氯或
溴;通过在
水性介质中加热,与碱土
金属氢氧化物一起,在大于160摄氏度的温度下进行。