TOLUENE CIS-GLYCOL SYNTHESIS BY PSEUDOMONAS-PUTIDA - KINETIC DATA FOR REACTOR EVALUATION

The biotransformation of toluene to the cis-glycol by a mutant of Pseudomonas putida has been examined. The reaction rate was severely inhibited by toluene concentrations above 45-50% aqueous saturation and by low DOT but was unaffected by ethanol concentrations of 2-18 g l-1. The maximum reaction rate (1 g h-1 (g cell)-1) was reached at toluene concentrations above 2.5% aqueous saturation. These experimental observations indicate that a well-mixed aerated reactor into which toluene is fed at a rate determined by the aqueous phase toluene concentration is the preferable mode of operation. © 1990.