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Abstract

The invention relates to sophoroselipids of formula (I) wherein R.sup.4 represents H, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, n is an integer number from 2 to 27, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent, independently from each other, H or a group of formula (II), and R.sup.3 represents H or --OH. The invention also relates to a method for producing sophoroselipids of formula (I) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n have the aforementioned meanings and R.sup.4 represents --CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3. According to this method, a yeast capable of secreting a sophoroselipid in the form of a lactone in the culture excess, is fermented in a culture medium containing a glycerin. a succinate, a mono-, di- and/or tri-saccharide and a lipid precursor, said sophoroslipid being then isolated from the culture solution. The inventive method is characterised in that the lipid precursor contains one or more 3-alkanols, 4-alkanols or an alkanone with a chain length from 6 to 30 carbon atoms or mixtures of said alkanoistalkanone. Furthermore, according to a variant of the aforementioned method for producing sophoroselipids of formula (I), wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and n have the meanings aforementioned and R.sup.4 represents --CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, the culture medium is maintained during fermentation under a reduced oxygen concentration. The new sophoroselipids may be used, e.g., as surfactants, cosmetics, disinfecting agents or pharmaceutical products.

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First Claim