Abstract: This invention relates to the enantioselective biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides, chemically or biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of the amides to the corresponding R- or S-acids in a batch process or in a continuous process that employs racemization and recycling of enantiomeric nitrile intermediates, the racemic nitriles being selected from the group, A--C(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)CN, wherein A, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in the text, as well as certain biological materials employed to catalyze the process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing mixtures of glyoxylate and a dialkyl aminomethylphosphonate and the subsequent production of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, also known as glyphosate. The process comprises preparing in situ a mixture of glyoxylate and a dialkyl aminomethylphosphonate (DEAMPA) by enzymatically reacting glycolic acid (glycolate) and oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of a dialkyl aminomethylphosphonate and catalysts consisting of glycolate oxidase and catalase. The resulting mixture can be hydrogenated and then subjected to hydrolysis to produce N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, a post-emergent phytotoxicant and herbicide.

Abstract: An improved enzymatic process for reacting glycolic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of aminomethylphosphonic acid wherein the improvement comprises using a microbial cell catalyst that expresses glycolate oxidase (e.g., Pichia pastoris, Hansenula polymorpha, Aspergillus nidulans, or Escherichia coli) and endogenous catalase; soluble catalase may also be included. The resulting mixtures are useful intermediates in the production of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine.

Abstract: A process for the production of pyruvic acid involving the enzymatic reaction of L-lactic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of catalysts glycolate oxidase ((S)-2-hydroxy-acid oxidase, EC 1.1.3.15) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6). High yields of pyruvate at high purity can be achieved at commercially acceptable concentration without substantial product inhibition of the enzyme.

Abstract: A process for the production of glyoxylic acid by reacting glycolic acid with oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of an amine buffer capable of forming a chemical adduct with glyoxylic acid, and glycolate oxidase and catalase immobilized or co-immobilized on an insoluble support is disclosed. The reaction is carried out at a pH of 7 to 10, preferably 8 to 9.5, an initial concentration of glycolic acid of 200 to 2500 mM, a concentration of amine wherein the initial mole ratio of amine to glycolic acid is within the range of 1.0 to 3.0, a concentration of immobilized catalase of 50 to 100,00 IU/mL, preferably 350 to 14,000 IU/mL, an oxygen pressure of up to 50 atmospheres, preferably 15 atmospheres, an immobilized glycolate oxidase concentration of about 0.01 to 10 IU/mL, preferably about 0.1 to 4 IU/mL, and a temperature of 0.degree. to 40.degree. C. preferably 5.degree. to 15.degree. C. Preferred insoluble immobilization supports are Eupergit C-250L and Eupergit C (Oxirane acrylic beads).

Abstract: This invention concerns esters of unsymmetrically 2-substituted glycolic acid dimers, a process for their preparation and their use in the preparation of unsymmetrically 3,6-substituted 1,4-dioxane-2,5-diones.

Abstract: A process for the production of glyoxylic acid by reacting glycolic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution at pH 7-10 in the presence of the enzyme glycolate oxidase and a non-enzymatic catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and an amine buffer capable of forming a chemical adduct with glyoxylic acid.

Abstract: This invention concerns esters of unsymmetrically 2-substituted glycolic acid dimers, a process for their preparation and their use in the preparation of unsymmetrically 3,6-substituted 1,4-dioxane-2,5-diones.

Abstract: A process or the production of glyoxylic acid involving the enzymatic oxidation of glycolic acid. The process provides a commercially practical method involving the reaction of glycolic acid in an aqueous solution at a starting concentration range of 200 mM to 2,500 mM in the presence of oxygen, glycolate oxidase and catalase at a pH of 7 to 10.

Abstract: A process for the production of glyoxylic acid involving the enzymatic oxidation of glycolic acid. The process provides a commercially practical method involving the reaction of glycolic acid in an aqueous solution at a starting concentration range of 200 mM to 2,500 mM in the presence of oxygen, glycolate oxidase and catalase at a pH of 7 to 10 and in the presence of an amine such as ethylenediamine, or tris(hydroxymethyl)-methylamine.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, also known as glyphosate. The process comprises hydrogenating a mixture containing glyoxylic acid and aminomethylphosphonic acid, the mixture having been enzymatically prepared in situ by the reaction of glycolic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution containing aminomethylphosphonic acid and the enzymes glycolate oxidase and catalase.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing mixtures of glyoxylic acid and aminomethylphosphonic acid. The process comprises reacting glycolic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of aminomethylphosphonic acid catalyst consisting of glycolate oxidase and catalase. The resulting mixtures are useful intermediates in the production of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine.

Abstract: S-Modified Adenosyl-1,8-Diamino-3-Thiooctane derivatives which are useful as interferon potentiators and polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors are disclosed.