Abstract: Strains of Pseudomonas putida selected from Pseudomonas putida NCIB 12190 and mutant strains thereof, which mutant strains can be obtained by chemical and physical mutation, allowing the mutated bacteria to grow prior to exposure to benzene or fluorobenzene, and subsequently, after further growth in the presence of benzene or fluorobenzene, selecting those mutant strains which accumulate cis-dihydroxycyclohexadiene or catechol or their fluorinated analogues. The new strains can be used in biochemical processes for the preparation of cis-dihydroxycyclohexadienes and catechols.

Abstract: Certain novel alkenyl-substituted dihydroxycyclohexadienes and the corresponding catechols are prepared by providing a culture of a microorganism selected from P.putida NCIB 12190 and mutants thereof, supplying to the culture the corresponding benzene derivatives in suitable fermentation medium, and subsequently recovering the desired dihydroxycyclohexadiene in cis-relationship, optionally followed by dehydrogenating the compound to afford the corresponding catechol.

Abstract: Novel compound cis-1,2-dihydroxy-3-trifluoromethylcyclohexa-3,5-diene (and certain fluoro-substituted analogues) can be produced biochemically by culturing a wild type or mutant strain of P.putida with benzotrifluoride or certain fluoro-substituted analogues as substrate.

Abstract: Strains of Pseudomonas putida selected from Pseudomonas putida NCIB 12190 and mutant strains thereof, which mutant strains can be obtained by chemical and physical mutation, allowing the mutated bacteria to grow prior to exposure to benzene or fluorobenzene, and subsequently, after further growth in the presence of benzene or fluorobenzene, selecting those mutant strains which accumulate cis-dihydroxycyclohexadiene or catechol or their fluorinated analogues. The new strains can be used in biochemical processes for the preparation of cis-dihydroxycyclohexadienes and catechols.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a catechol and/or a compound comprising a 1,2-dihydroxycyclohexa-3,5-diene ring, which comprises growing a microorganism in the presence of a carbon source, the microorganism being capable of converting the corresponding aromatic compound into the catechol and/or the compound comprising a 1,2-dihydroxycyclohexa-3,5-diene ring; and supplying the corresponding aromatic compound to the microorganism; characterized in that the carbon source is molasses.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids and/or esters are prepared by converting the ##STR1## moiety in a 1-substituted 2,2-trihaloethanol, or derivative wherein X represents halogen and R is hydrogen or an acyl group to an organic acid and/or ester grouping of the formula ##STR2## wherein R' is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in the process which comprises reacting the 1-substituted 2,2,2-trihaloethanol or acylated derivative with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a complex of a transition metal having an atomic number from 21-30, 39-48 or 57-80 and at least one molecule of a ligand containing trivalent nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic or antimony. This reaction is carried out in a reaction medium comprising an alcohol or aqueous alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally containing an alkali metal, said alcoholic solvent also serving as a reactant source when carboxylic acid esters are formed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2,2-bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane by reacting isobutylene with diphenylolpropane in the presence of a substantially anhydrous aromatic sulfonic acid.