Fermentation of long chain compounds byTorulopsis magnoliae III. Preparation of dicarboxylic acids from hydroxy fatty acid sophorosides

Conversion of hydroxy fatty acids, prepared from the products of fermentation of long chain hydrocarbons or fatty acids withTorulopsis magnoliae, to dicarboxylic acids with 15 to 18 carbon atoms is described. Both nitric acid oxidation and fission in 85% KOH give yields of 60舑75%, but the products have different compositions. The nature of the compound fermented determines the composition of the hydroxy acids produced and hence that of the derived dicarboxylic acids. A convenient method is presented for hydrolysis of the hydroxy fatty acid sophorosides obtained by fermentation.