9(Z)‐Octadecenamide and fatty amides byBacillus megaterium (B‐3437) conversion of oleic acid

9(Z)‐Octadecenamide, hexadecenamide, tetradecenamide and tetradecanamide were produced by a novel bioconversion of oleic acid withBacillus megaterium NRRL B‐3437. Although chemical synthesis is more practical, the bioconversion to fatty amides (5–7% of total recovered lipids) was unique for its requirement of both enzymatic catalysis and equimolar oleic acid/ammonium salt substrates. Purified octadecenamide was obtained by silica gel and high‐pressure liquid chromatographic procedures and was characterized by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance.