| Abstract: | 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. |
