Utilization of an epoxide hydrolase in soybean meal for the preparation of fatty acid 1,2-diols from epoxy fatty acids

Defatted soy flour with a membrane-bound epoxide hydrolase wasused for the conversion on a preparative scale of9,10-epoxy-octadecanoic acid, 9,10-epoxy-12-hydroxy-octadecanoicacid and 12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoic acid (vernolic acid) intotheir 1,2-diols. The products might be used in coatings, lubricantsor for the synthesis of fine chemicals.