Abstract: The present invention is related to cis-diols and biological methods of producing cis-diols. The present invention further relates to processes for subsequently converting such silane cis-diols to the more stable acetonide derivatives, as well as a process for converting silane cis-diols to the corresponding catechols and the compounds produced thereby. The present invention also provides chemical methods for the conversion of said silane cis-diols and acetonide compounds to epoxy, saturated and otherwise modified derivatives. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is related to cis-diols and biological methods of producing cis-diols. The present invention further relates to processes for subsequently converting such silane cis-diols to the more stable acetonide derivatives, as well as a process for converting silane cis-diols to the corresponding catechols and the compounds produced thereby. The present invention also provides chemical methods for the conversion of said silane cis-diols and acetonide compounds to epoxy, saturated and otherwise modified derivatives. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Recombinant organisms are provided comprising genes encoding genes encoding glycerol dehydratase, 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase, a gene encoding vitamin B12 receptor precursor(BtuB), a gene encoding vitamin B12 transport system permease protein(BtuC) and a gene encoding vitamin B12 transport ATP-binding protein (BtuD). The recombinant microorganism is contacted with a carbon substrate and 1,3-propanediol is isolated from the growth media.

Abstract: Recombinant organisms are provided comprising genes encoding glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphatase, glycerol dehydratase and 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase activites useful for the production of 1,3-propanediol from a variety of carbon substrates.

Abstract: Provided are enzymatic methods for the selective hydrolytic resolution of certain enantiomers of a pharmaceutical compound, the pharmaceutical compound comprising a (.+-.) mixture of a .alpha.-substituted 2-methyl proprionic acid derivative. Specifically provided is the selective enzymatic resolution of either the R(+) or S(-) enantiomer of (.+-.)-ethyl ciprofibrate. Also provided are substantially pure enantiomers of R(+) and S(-) ciprofibrate.

Abstract: Unsaturated esters can be converted into unsaturated polymerizable monomers using a biocatalyst derived from Corynebacterium oxydans. The method involves the step of reacting an unsaturated ester with an organic compound having a primary or secondary hydroxy group in a substantially organic environment in the presence of the noted biocatalyst. A transacylase has been isolated from the microorganism and at least partially purified.

Abstract: Acetate esters of diols and polyols can be prepared in aqueous systems using a biocatalyst derived from Corynebacterium oxydans. The method involves the step of reacting a diol or polyol with an acetate ester in a substantially aqueous environment in the presence of said biocatalyst.