[Microbiological dehydrogenation of intermediate of fluocinanide acetate]

Both compound I and II are intermediates in fluocinanide acetate synthesis. I could be dehydrogenated to II in 62% approximately 63% yields by Arthrobactor simplex No. A-1, which was selected in our laboratory. When concentration of I was 0.1%, it was transformed so fast that II could not be accumulated. When concentration was increased to 0.2%, four intermediates IV, V, VI and VII were formed in addition to a little amount of product II. When concentration of substrate I was increased to 0.5% and B-CS buffer solution and 4% alcohol (95%, V/V) were added, compound II in cuboidal microcrystalline form was obtained. Under this condition, the yield was steady and melting point was above 250 degrees C.