Production of 3,4-dihalogenated catechols from toluene and benzoate analogues by Pseudomonas putida strain PaW1

3,4-Dichloro-, 3-bromo-4-chloro- and 3-chloro-4-bromocatechol have been formed by co-oxidation of the respective toluenes and benzoates. Acetate, toluene and p-xylene were tested as growth substrates for Pseudomonas putida strain PaW1 with respect to the suitability for good co-oxidation. The influence of various parameters such as cell density, concentration of substrate, salts and phosphate, pH value and temperature on the production of 3,4-dichlorocatechol was tested. Besides the production of 3,4-dichlorocatechol by resting cells of P. putida PaW1, equipment for the continuous formation and extraction of the product was established.