Synthesis and characterization of lactones by Azotobacter chroococcum

The current paper deals with new metabolites of different groups produced by the Azotobacter chroococcum XU1 strain. Until now, a wide variety of secondary metabolites were documented for this species, but some compounds are being reported for the first time. These compounds—representatives of lactones. An important finding within this survey was the production of lactones, namely 1,5-D-gluconolactone and D, L-mevalonic acid lactone. It is interesting to note that the strain produced 1,5-D-gluconolactone as a response to the substrate modification (C-source): in the D-glucose supplemented Ashby, the major compound was 1,5-D-gluconolactone instead of EPS (which is produced in the sucrose supplemented Ashby).