Method of producing an amide utilizing a microorganism

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of producing an amide which comprises subjecting a nitrile to the action of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus and having the ability to hydrate the nitrile, and isolating the resulting amide. The microorganism is highly active to a wide variety of nitriles even at low temperatures and, in addition, the hydration reaction of nitriles has a high selectivity for the corresponding amides. Accordingly, this method ensures the production of amides in high yield without formation of by-products such as corresponding carboxylic acids.