Microbial Formation of Substituted Styrenes

Abstract

Various mono- and disubstituted cinnamic acid derivatives and aromatic carboxylic acids with saturated side chains were incubated mainly with Bacillus, Candida, Hansenula, and Saccharomyces strains. The cinnamic acids carrying a hydroxy- and/or a methoxy group at the 3- and/or 4-position of the benzene ring were decarboxylated with high yields. Most of the reactions were terminated within 24 to 48 h. Substitution at other ring positions afforded also decarboxylation, but at much lower yields. Derivatives with other residues like methyl, chloride, or bromide were not transform ed to the respective styrene. None of the saturated aromatic carboxylic acids could be decarboxylated by the strains used.