286 The Action of B. lactis aérogenes on Glucose and Mannitol. 
| Found. Calculated for C,-H,,N,O,. 
Oar bact | 65 ‘11 64 °96 
15 Deena | 5 °64 5°73 
NG ee | 9-01 8-91 
My thanks are due to Dr. Harden for advice throughout the investigation. 
Summary. 
1. The “crude glycol” obtained by the action of B. lactis aérogenes on 
glucose contains two optically inactive 2: 3-butanediols, whose diphenyl- 
urethanes melt at 199°5 and 157° respectively. The former constitutes 
well over 90 per cent. of the material. As no attempt was made to resolve 
either, it is impossible to say which is the racemic and which the meso- form. 
2. Small quantities of the phenylurethanes of other glycols of unknown 
constitution were obtained from the crude glycol. 
3. Acetylmethylearbinol is formed from 2:3 butanediol by JS. lactis 
aérogenes in presence of oxygen, and the yield from glucose is increased by 
the presence of oxygen. 
4, Fructose is decomposed by the bacillus in a similar manner to glucose. 
