Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 2,5-diacetyl-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-6a-hydroxy-2,3a,5-trimethylfuro[2,3-d]-1,3-dioxole (diacetyl trimer) of the formula in the form of one of its stereoisomers or in the form of a mixture consisting of or containing two or more of the stereoisomers (i) as an odoriferous or aromatic substance, (ii) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a creamy and/or fatty sensation in the mouth, (iii) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a sweet, buttery, cream-like and/or creamy flavor, and/or (iv) for masking a bitter flavor. The invention furthermore relates to corresponding aromatic compositions as well as compositions which serve for nutrition, oral hygiene, consumption for pleasure or for oral pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 5-acetyl-2,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-3-one (diacetyl dimer of formula (I)) in the form of one of its stereoisomers or in the form of a mixture consisting of or containing two, three or four of its stereoisomers (i) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a creamy and/or fatty sensation in the mouth, (ii) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a sweet, buttery, cream-like and/or creamy flavor; and/or (iii) as an aromatic and/or flavoring substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 2,5-diacetyl-3a,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-6a-hydroxy-2,3a,5-trimethylfuro[2,3-d]-1,3-dioxole (diacetyl trimer) of the formula in the form of one of its stereoisomers or in the form of a mixture consisting of or containing two or more of the stereoisomers (i) as an odoriferous or aromatic substance, (ii) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a creamy and/or fatty sensation in the mouth, (iii) for imparting, intensifying and/or modifying a sweet, buttery, cream-like and/or creamy flavour, and/or (iv) for masking a bitter flavour. The invention furthermore relates to corresponding aromatic compositions as well as compositions which serve for nutrition, oral hygiene, consumption for pleasure or for oral pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing &ggr;-decalactone using Yarrowia lipolytica HR 145 (DSM 12397). The process includes preparing the product in a bioreactor by culturing the pure strain of Yarrowia lipolytica in a culture medium containing carbon compounds, nitrogen compounds, inorganic salts, trace elements, vitamins, etc. Other ingredients of the culture medium include glycerol, glucose, mannitol, citric acid, malt extract, yeast extract, casein hydrolysate, castor oil, cotton seed meal or corn steep liquor. Also sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, carbonates or phosphates of metals sodium, potassium magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, and mixtures thereof can be used in the culture medium. Further, a pure strain of Yarrowia lipolytica HR 145 (DSM 12397) is provided.

Abstract: Trans-2,cis-4-decadienoic acid ethyl ester can be prepared from Stillingia oil by enzymatic transesterification with lipase from Candida antarctica in the presence of ethanol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aliphatic carboxylic acids by microbial oxidation of alcohols with relatively long, optionally branched C chains by means of atmospheric oxygen, in which the bacteria species Gluconobacter roseus is used as the microorganism. Contemplated is the use of Gluconobacter roseus strain IAM 1841 to oxidize n-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol to the corresponding acids. Also contemplated is the use of Gluconobacter roseus strain IFO 3990 to oxidize isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol to the corresponding acids.

Abstract: In the enzyme-mediated synthesis of an ester or lactone from at least one carboxylic acid of the formulaR--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --COOHwhereinR is a hydrogen atom, or a hydrocarbon radical which has 1 to 21 carbon atoms and which can be optionally substituted by hydroxyl groups or alkoxy groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms,with at least one primary or secondary alcohol having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, the improvement which comprises employing as the enzyme the esterase from Mucor miehei and effecting the synthesis in the absence of water. Advantageously, the synthesis is effected at about room temperature, the mol ratio of carboxylic acid to alcohol is from about 1:1 to 1:1.1, and the enzyme is used in a quantity of about 3 to 20% by weight of the carboxylic acid. The absence of water facilitates recovery, as by distillation.