Subterminal oxidation of n-tetradecane by two species of Penicillium

Penicillium chrysogenum (NRRL #Q-176) and a Penicillium species both grow on n-tetradecane as sole carbon source. Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses of solvent extracts of the homogenized mycelial mat and medium have established the presence of 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-tetradecanone and their corresponding alcohols, as well as the two esters, pentyl nonanoate and octyl hexanoate. The positive identification of these products is supportive of a subterminal oxidative pathway for n-tetradecane that proceeds from the alkane to the various alcohols, the ketones and the esters, followed by hydrolytic cleavage of the esters.