ALTROIJGH Van Niel [1928] postulated that pyruvic acid is formed during the dissimilation of glucose by the propionic acid bacteria, the keto-acid has never been identified as an intermediate product. Van Niel assumed that pyruvic acid hydrate was formed and subsequently dehydrogenated to yield acetic acid, carbon dioxide and two atoms of hydrogen, the latter serving to reduce suitable hydrogen acceptors such as methylglyoxal to propionic acid.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wood et al. (1934) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: