Abstract：L-lactide is the crucial intermediate in the industrial-scale production of polylactic acid (PLA). The synthesis and purification processes directly determine product purity, which further influences the industrialization development quality of PLA. This review states the research advances and practical applications of industrial-scale L-lactide production technologies. Focusing on the industrial two-step synthesis process, this work systematically elaborates the reaction mechanisms and key control parameters of three stages: polycondensation process, depolymerization process, and purification-separation process. Furthermore, the crucial technical difficulties of each stage are thoroughly analyzed. And the corresponding process optimization strategies and solutions are summarized. Finally, this work proposes the development directions for the industrial production of L-lactide, including strengthening the reaction process, coupling multiple purification processes, and developing new catalysts.
MA Liguo,YANG Zhao,XU Zihao. Progress in Industrial Production Technology of L-Lactide[J]. Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, 2026, 42(2): 191-200.
