Abstract: This invention relates to the enantioselective biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides, chemically or biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of the amides to the corresponding R- or S-acids in a batch process or in a continuous process that employs racemization and recycling of enantiomeric nitrile intermediates, the racemic nitriles being selected from the group, A--C(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)CN, wherein A, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in the text, as well as certain biological materials employed to catalyze the process.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for enrichment of enantiomers of .alpha.-tertiary carboxylic acid esters from mixtures of corresponding esters using a biocatalyst comprising microbial cells, or partially or highly purified enzyme preparations. The enantiomeric ester products are useful as intermediates for the preparation of pharmaceutically and agriculturally active compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of pyruvic acid involving the enzymatic reaction of L-lactic acid and oxygen in an aqueous solution in the presence of catalysts glycolate oxidase ((S)-2-hydroxy-acid oxidase, EC 1.1.3.15) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6). High yields of pyruvate at high purity can be achieved at commercially acceptable concentration without substantial product inhibition of the enzyme.

Abstract: A three step process for preparing 2-hydroxybenzenesulfonamide from 2,4-dichlorophenol by treatment with chlorosulfonic acid followed by amination to form the dichlorohydroxysulfonamide and finally dehalogenation.