A PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF METHACRYLIC ACID AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides a process for the biological production of the key industrial chemical methacrylic acid and various derivatives thereof including methyl methacrylate. The method comprises using biological pathways to produce mesaconic acid or citraconic acid or citramalic acid, which acids are then decarboxylated to produce methacrylic acid. The acids are substantially non-toxic to cells allowing a viable biobased route to key monomers to be realised. Therefore the invention potentially alleviates the problem of using fossil fuel resources in that it provides an alternative method to form methacrylic acid.