Abstract: Described are optical isomers of (+) &dgr;-decalactone and (+) &dgr;-dodecalactone which impart, augment and/or enhance the aroma and/or taste of consumable materials including foodstuffs, chewing gums, toothpastes, beverages, fragrance compositions, colognes and perfumed articles such as solid or liquid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softeners and hair preparations. The optical isomers are produced by means of a two-phase, environmentally friendly fermentation process for producing high yields of (+) &dgr;-decalactone and (+) &dgr;-dodecalactone from the corresponding unsaturated starting materials. The (+) &dgr;-decalactone substantially has the structure: with a very minor amount of isomer having the structure: and an optical rotation of +53.64° ((&agr;D20=+53·64° ) ). The (+) &dgr;-decalactone, which is the subject of the invention, has an enantiomeric excess percent of 95.

Abstract: A two phase environmentally friendly fermentation process for producing high yields of &dgr;-decalactone and &dgr;-dodecalactone from the corresponding unsaturated starting materials is carried out under oxidative growth conditions using a saccharomyces species. The resulting products impart, augment and/or enhance the aroma and/or taste of consumable materials including foodstuffs, chewing gums, toothpastes, beverages, fragrance compositions, colognes and perfumed articles such as solid or liquid, anionic, cationic, non-ionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softeners, and hair preparations.

Abstract: A two phase environmentally friendly fermentation process for producing high yields of .delta.-decalactone and .delta.-dodecalactone from the corresponding unsaturated starting materials is carried out under oxidative growth conditions using a Saccharomyces species. The resulting products impart, augment and/or enhance the aroma and/or taste of consumable materials including foodstuffs, chewing gums, toothpastes, beverages, fragrance compositions, colognes and perfumed articles such as solid or liquid, anionic, cationic, non-ionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softeners, and hair preparations.

Abstract: A process for producing high yields of .gamma.-hexalactone and 2-pentanone from the corresponding hexanoic acid starting material is carried out with high amounts of oxygen and sugar in the presence of a mold microorganism. Fragrance compositions and foodstuff compositions are augmented and enhanced by the presence of the product compounds.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing C.sub.9, C.sub.11 and C.sub.13 alkanols defined according to the structures: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or n-propyl using ketones defined according to the generic structure: ##STR2## as a substrate and using the microorganism: Pseudomonas cepacia ATCC 55792or mutants thereof.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing C.sub.9, C.sub.11, and C.sub.13 alkanols defined according to the structures: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or n-propyl using ketones defined according to the generic structure: ##STR2## as a substrate and using the microorganism: Pseudomonas cepacia ATCC 55792or mutants thereof.