Abstract: An apparatus for the aerobic fermentation of microorganisms, with the apparatus including a vessel having an elongate tubular member connected thereto and forming a fermentation zone. A pump is provided to effect flow of fermentation medium from the vessel through the tubular member for fermentation therein and back to said vessel. During flow of fermentation medium through the tubular member, oxygen is introduced into same to carry out the fermentation process. A heat exchanger cooperates with the tubular member to remove heat from the fermentation medium which is produced by the fermentation process. A second vessel can be connected to the vessel for receipt of foam containing product therein to separate the foam into a liquid phase and a gas phase.

Abstract: A method for forming monoolefinic alcohols and optionally alkyl-substituted conjugated dienes. A lower alcohol is oxidized to the aldehyde, and the aldehyde separated from the product mixture by reaction with a monoolefinic alcohol to form a hemialdehyde. An aliphatic isomonoolefin is reacted with a portion of the hemialdehyde stream, to form additional unsaturated monoolefinic alcohol as product, and for recycle to the aldehyde recovery step. The unsaturated monoolefinic alcohol can be dehydrated to an alkyl-substituted conjugated diene such as isoprene.