Fermentation of long-chain compounds by Torulopsis apicola. IV. Products from esters and hydrocarbons with 14 and 15 carbon atoms and from methyl palmitoleate

Abstract

Esters and hydrocarbons, containing 14 and 15 carbon atoms, are converted to the hydroxy fatty acid portions of glycosides by Torulopsis apicola in yields of 10–20%. When C-15 compounds are fermented, almost half of the hydroxy acids which are produced are 16-hydroxy C-17 acids. The carbon chain of the substrate is first lengthened by two carbon atoms and then hydroxylated. Direct hydroxylation also occurs, to a lesser extent, giving both 14-hydroxy- and 15-hydroxypentadecanoic acids. Similar results are obtained when C-14 compounds are used. Lengthening of the chain followed by hydroxylation gives rise to hydroxy C-16 acids and direct hydroxylation produces 13-hydroxy- and 14-hydroxytetradecanoic acids. Primary and secondary C-14 and C-15 alcohols were also isolated from the products of hydrocarbon fermentation (2.5–5 % yield). Methyl palmitoleate is converted to hydroxy fatty acids in yields of 40–70%, the major component of which is 16-hydroxy-cis-9-hexadecenoic acid.