Two-functional-group-containing terpenoids, processes for the preparation of the same, and anti-ulcer agents containing the same

A process for the preparation of a compound having the formula (I):

• ##STR30## in which n is an integer of from 1 to 5, and R is hydroxymethyl, formyl or carboxyl, which comprises the steps of:
• cultivating Nocardia BPM 1613, FERM-P No. 1609, in a nutritive culture medium in the presence of a compound having the formula (II):
• ##STR31## in which n has the same meaning as defined above, and A' is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, methoxymethyl or methoxyethoxymethyl, whereby said microorganism utilizes said compound of the general formula (II) as a carbon source and oxidizes said compound (II), thereby converting said compound (II) into a compound of the formula (III):
• ##STR32## recovering the thus-produced compound having the general formula (III) from said culture medium;
• and
• hydrolyzing said compound (III) to eliminate the group A' therefrom, thereby forming said compound (I).