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Preparation of L (+) β‐hydroxyisobutyric acid by bacterial oxidation of isobutyric acid
Author(s) -
Goodhue Charles T.,
Schaeffer James R.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260130204
Subject(s) - isobutyric acid , chemistry , fermentation , hydroxylation , pseudomonas putida , organic chemistry , enzyme
A process for the bacterial oxidation of isobutyric acid to L (+) β‐hydroxyisobutyric acid has been developed. The strain of Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 21244) used in this fermentation was isolated from local soil. The process was carried out in a 15‐liter fermentor over a period of 70 hr and produced L (+) β‐hydroxyisobutyric acid in conversions as high as 48%. Hydroxylation of the methyl group of isobutyric acid has special interest because it is difficult to perform chemically. The useful chemical syntheses of β‐hydroxyisobutyric acid available at present do not start with isobutyric acid and are not stereospecific.