Method of producing -decalactone using Yarrowia lipolytica strain HR 145 (DSM 12397)

The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing -decalactone. A process is provided for producing -decalactone using HR 145 (DSM 12397). The process includes preparing the product in a bioreactor by culturing the pure strain of in a culture medium containing carbon compounds, nitrogen compounds, inorganic salts, trace elements, vitamins, etc. Other ingredients of the culture medium include glycerol, glucose, mannitol, citric acid, malt extract, yeast extract, casein hydrolysate, castor oil, cotton seed meal or corn steep liquor. Also sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, carbonates or phosphates of metals sodium, potassium magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, and mixtures thereof can be used in the culture medium. Further, a pure strain of HR 145 (DSM 12397) is provided.