METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE a-HYDROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID

摘要

Disclosed is a method for efficient production of an optically active a-hydroxycarboxylic acid represented by the general formula (I): (I) wherein A represents a residue of a 5- or 6-membered cyclic compound; * represents a carbon atom having an S- or R-configuration; and X represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The method comprises the step of treating an ester compound (optically not pure) corresponding to the desired a-hydroxycarboxylic acid with a cell or culture of a microorganism belonging to the genus Leifsonia, Cylindrocarpon or Verticillium or a product produced by treating the cell or culture or an extract from the cell or culture.