Abstract: An enantiomerically pure compound of the formula ##STR1## is prepared when the associated racemic mixture is reacted with an acrylating agent R.sup.3 --C(O)--O--R in the presence of a microorganism or enzyme derived therefrom capable of catalyzing transesterification of an alcohol. X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are each independently halogen, R is alkyl, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl and R.sup.3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl.

Abstract: A process is described for selectively preparing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is halogen;R.sup.2 is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or ##STR2## and R.sup.3 hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, ##STR3## wherein the process comprises treating the associated ketone with an oxido-reductase or a microorganism comprising an oxidoreductase. Compounds prepared by this process are useful antipsychotic agents or useful intermediates therefor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the stereoselective enzymatic reduction of keto group-containing compounds such as N-(4-(2-chloroacetyl)phenyl)methanesulfonamido to form the corresponding hydroxyl-group containing compound. The process is selective for the D(+) enantiomer and is catalyzed by enzymes such as oxido-reductase or dehydrogense, or by microorganisms such as Hansenula, Rhodococcus, or Norcardia species.

Abstract: Microorganisms or reductases derived therefrom reduce a diketo ester ##STR1## to form the associated 3-hydroxy, 5-hydroxy, or 3,5-dihydroxy esters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a novel monoester of the formula ##STR1## in which the associated novel diester ##STR2## is hydrolyzed in the presence of one or more water-soluble enzymes or microorganisms capable of selectively hydrolyzing the --O--C(O)--R.sup.1 group, wherein the treatment is carried out in a biphasic solvent system comprising an aqueous phase having the enzymes or microorganisms and an organic phase immiscible in water having the diester. Also disclosed is a process for preparing [1S-[1.alpha., 2.alpha.(Z),3.alpha.,4.alpha.]]-7-[3[[[[(1-oxoheptyl)amino]acetyl]amino]me thyl-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid using this enzymatic/microbial process.

Abstract: A novel enzymatic resolution process for preparing resolved compounds of the formula ##STR1## with improved yields and high optical purity is disclosed. Compounds of formula I' are useful, for example, as intermediates for the preparation of physiologically active compounds, e.g. captopril, zofenopril and endopeptidase inhibitor.

Abstract: A novel enzymatic resolution process for preparing resolved compounds of the formula ##STR1## with improved yields and high optical purity is disclosed. The thioester bond of the compound is hydrolyzed and the hydrolyzed compound is separated from the unhydrolyzed. Compounds of formula I' are useful, for example, as intermediates for the preparation of physiologically active compounds, e.g. captopril and zofenopril.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the enantiomer-specific preparation of mercapto alkanoic acids by stereoselective hydrolysis of mercapto or thioester alkanoic acid esters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a novel monoester of the formula ##STR1## in which the associated novel diester ##STR2## is hydrolyzed in the presence of one or more water-soluble enzymes or microorganisms capable of selectively hydrolyzing the --O--C(O)--R.sup.1 group, wherein the treatment is carried out in a biphasic solvent system comprising an aqueous phase having the enzymes or microorganisms and an organic phase immiscible in water having the diester. Also disclosed is a process for preparing [1S-[1.alpha., 2.alpha.(Z),3.alpha.,4.alpha.]]-7-[3[[[[(1-oxoheptyl)amino]acetyl]-amino]m ethyl-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid using this enzymatic/microbial process.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing D(-)-.beta.-hydroxyisobutyric acid by fermentation employing the method and/or ethyl esters of isobutyric acid, the methyl and/or ethyl esters of methacrylic acid, isobutyl isobutyrate and/or isobutyl methacrylate as the substrate and a microorganism of the genus Candida and other fungi. In an alternative method, the isolated cells of the various microorganisms are employed with one or mixtures of the above substrates.

Abstract: A new method is provided for forming crystals of amphotericin B directly in fermentation broth which crystals are easily separable without use of costly solvent extraction techniques which method includes a direct microbial cell autolysis step to induce crystal formation.

Abstract: Penicillin V is prepared by culturing a penicillin-producing microorganism in a medium containing suitable sources of nitrogen, carbon and energy, and inorganic salts. One or more phenoxyalkanes of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is an integer from 6 to 13 are included within the medium as the sidechain precursor.

Abstract: Benzylpenicillin is prepared by culturing a penicillin-producing microorganism in a medium containing suitable sources of nitrogen, carbon and energy, and inorganic salts. One or more phenylalkanes of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is an integer from 6 to 13 are included within the medium as the sidechain precursor.