Cetus Corporation

William F Amon, Jr

Saul L Neidleman

John Geigert

A process is described for the production of D-glucosone from glucose. An aqueous solution of glucose is converted substantially completely to D-glucosone by an enzymatic oxidation while removing or utilizing co-produced hydrogen peroxide. D-glucosone is a useful intermediate product which may then be converted to a desired end product.

Process for the production of D-glucosone

A process is described which is useful as a co-process in combination with a process which employs hydrogen peroxide. The process of the invention provides a source of hydrogen peroxide along with a useful co-product, that co-product being 2-keto-D-gluconic acid or products derived therefrom. One of the first and second carbons of D-glucose is oxidized enzymatically to produce hydrogen peroxide and an intermediate product. The other of the first and second carbons of the intermediate product is then oxidized enzymatically to produce hydrogen peroxide and 2-keto-D-gluconic acid. In one form of the invention, the intermediate product is D-glucosone; the final product is 2-keto-D-gluconic acid. In the other form of the invention, the intermediate product is D-glucono-.delta.-lactone; the final product is a mixture of 2-keto-D-gluconic acid and D-isoascorbic acid.

Production of 2-keto-D-gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide

Epoxides or glycols are produced by passing a gaseous olefin through a reaction mixture containing a halogenating enzyme, an oxidizing agent and a halide ion source whereby the olefin is converted to a halohydrin. The halohydrin is converted to an epoxide which may be converted by hydration to a glycol. Conversion of the halohydrin to an epoxide may be carried out enzymatically.

Preparation of epoxides and glycols from gaseous alkenes

A method is described for the manufacture of epoxides or glycols from olefins. An olefin is contacted with a reaction mixture of a halogenating enzyme, an oxydizing agent and a halide ion source, for a sufficient period to convert the olefin to a halohydrin. The halohydrin is then converted to an epoxide or glycol.

Method for producing epoxides and glycols from alkenes

A process is described for the production of fructose from glucose. An aqueous solution of glucose is converted to D-glucosone by an enzymatic process. D-glucosone is then converted to substantially pure fructose by chemical hydrogenation. Fructose may be recovered in crystalline form.

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Danville, CA, United States of America

William F Amon, Jr