High yield oxidation of trimethyl-cyclohexene compounds, especially ionones, to hydroxy or oxo derivatives

摘要

Hydroxy and/or oxo groups are introduced into trimethyl-cyclohexene compounds (I) by selective microbiological oxidation using Actinomycetales. Oxidation of trimethyl-cyclohexene derivatives of formula (I) to hydroxy and/or oxo derivatives of formula (II) is effected in presence of bacteria of the order Actinomycetales. R1 = optionally substituted, optionally unsaturated 1-8C alkyl; R2, R3 = H, =O or OH, provided that at least one is other than H; a, b = additional bond in one of the two indicated positions. AN Independent claim is included for the use of the above bacteria for the oxidation of (I).