2,3-Butanediol

Definition

2,3-Butanediol is a colorless, viscous liquid organic compound with the chemical formula C4H10O2. It is a valuable byproduct of fermentation processes, particularly in the context of microbial metabolism and biofuel production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 2,3-Butanediol is produced as a byproduct of the fermentation of glucose and other carbohydrates by certain bacteria and yeast species.
2. The production of 2,3-butanediol is often associated with the Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Serratia genera of bacteria, which can divert carbon flux away from ethanol production.
3. 2,3-Butanediol has a wide range of industrial applications, including as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals, as a solvent, and as a potential biofuel.
4. The production of 2,3-butanediol can be optimized through metabolic engineering and fermentation process optimization to increase yields and productivity.
5. The ability to produce 2,3-butanediol is considered a desirable trait in certain microbial strains used for biofuel and biochemical production.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of 2,3-butanediol in the context of microbial fermentation processes.
  • 2,3-Butanediol is a valuable byproduct of fermentation processes, particularly those carried out by certain bacteria and yeast species. During the fermentation of carbohydrates, such as glucose, these microorganisms can divert carbon flux away from the production of ethanol and instead synthesize 2,3-butanediol. This production of 2,3-butanediol is often associated with genera like Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Serratia, and is considered a desirable trait for microbial strains used in biofuel and biochemical production.
• Describe the potential industrial applications of 2,3-butanediol and how its production can be optimized.
  • 2,3-Butanediol has a wide range of industrial applications, including as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals, as a solvent, and as a potential biofuel. The production of 2,3-butanediol can be optimized through metabolic engineering and fermentation process optimization to increase yields and productivity. By understanding the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in 2,3-butanediol synthesis, researchers and engineers can develop strategies to enhance its production in microbial systems, making it a more viable and valuable commodity for various industrial applications.
• Analyze the relationship between the production of 2,3-butanediol and the potential for biofuel production.
  • The production of 2,3-butanediol is closely tied to the potential for biofuel production, as 2,3-butanediol itself can be considered a potential biofuel. By diverting carbon flux away from the production of ethanol, which is a more commonly targeted biofuel, the synthesis of 2,3-butanediol presents an alternative avenue for biofuel production. Additionally, the ability to produce 2,3-butanediol is often seen as a desirable trait in microbial strains used for biofuel and biochemical production, as it demonstrates the versatility and metabolic capabilities of these organisms. Understanding the factors that influence 2,3-butanediol production and its relationship to biofuel synthesis can help researchers and engineers develop more efficient and sustainable biofuel production processes.

Related terms

Fermentation: Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts carbohydrates, such as glucose, into acids, gases, or alcohols under anaerobic conditions.

Acetoin: Acetoin is a related organic compound that can be produced alongside 2,3-butanediol during fermentation processes.

Butanol: Butanol is a four-carbon alcohol that can also be produced through fermentation, and is considered a potential biofuel.