Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij, B.v.

Gist-Brocades N.v.

Kenneth H Clifford

Arthur F Marx

Gareth T Phillips

Philip J Geary

Robert J Pryce

The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,6-difluorobenzamide which comprises subjecting 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile to the action of a suitable hydrolysing microorganism or nitrilase extract therefrom; and Rhodococcus Sp. NCIB 12218 or a mutant thereof, suitable for use in the process.

Process for the preparation of difluorobenzamide

The R-enantiomer of a compound of formula I: ##STR1## where Z is an optionally substituted cyclic organic moiety and C* represents an optically active carbon atom, may be prepared by supplying a substrate of formula II ##STR2## to a culture of a microorganism capable of oxidation of compound II into the R-enantiomer of I.

Certain phenoxy (or 5-trifluoromethyl-pyridyl-oxy)-phenoxy-2-yl-propane

Process for the preparation of substituted phenoxy propanoic acids

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Sittingbourne, United Kingdom

Kenneth H Clifford