Effects of solvents on the production of epoxides by Nocardia corallina B-276

Summary Glucose-grown cells of Nocardia corallina B-276 produced epoxides from C₂ to C₁₈ 1-alkenes and styrene. Production of epoxides from C₆-C₁₀ 1-alkenes and styrene was enhanced by the addition of n-hexadecane as a solvent to the reaction system, while addition of n-hexadecane lecreased the rate of epoxidation of longer chain length 1-alkenes. n-Hexadecane was found to reduce substrate inhibition by styrene and product nhibition by styreneoxide and 1,2-epoxyalkanes. a-Alkanes, 1-alkenes, alkylbenzenes, halogenated akanes and a diester of a dibasic acid could be sed as solvents.