Glucitol fermentative

Methyl-L-sorbose (LXXI)150 was prepared from the corresponding 4-methyl-L-gulitol (3-methyl-D-glucitol) (LXX) by oxidative fermentation with Acetobacter xylinum. The starting material was obtained by hydrogenation of 3-methyl-D-glucose (LXIX). 

Attempts to eliminate the protection-deprotection steps in the Reich-stein-Griissner synthesis by carrying out a high-yield chemical or fermentative oxidation step directly on glucitol (18) or L-sorbose (19) were unsuccessful (Scheme 13). The best result reported is the platinum (or related metals) catalyzed air oxidation of 19 to 23 (62% yield) (42). 

Preparation. L-Sorbose is the most readily available l sugar, produced from D-glucitol as an intermediate in the vitamin C synthesis.153 Fermentations with Acetobacter suboxidans produce over 90% of L-sorbose. The ketose is obtained crystalline. In solution, the a-pyranoid tautomeric form is highly favored... 

C. beijerinckii (formerly C. acetohutylicum) NCIMB 8052 prefers glucose as substrate but also ferments glucitol, galactose, and the disaccharides cellobiose, lactose, maltose, and sucrose [25]. C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 is a grampositive, rod-shaped, obligately anaerobic, mesophylic bacterium and possesses peritrichous flagella. 

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