The disclosure relates to the field of specialty chemicals and methods for their synthesis. In embodiments, the disclosure provides viable bacterial cells which comprise heterologous dual 3-hydroxy-acyl-ACP dehydratase/isomerases, etc. The disclosure further provides monounsaturated fatty acid derivative molecules produced by the viable bacterial cells which are non-native to the bacterial cells. The disclosure further provides methods for the preparation and production of non-native monounsaturated fatty acid derivative molecules such as e.g., an 3-monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, an 5-monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, an 9-monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, an 11-monounsaturated fatty acid fatty acid derivative, etc.

Disclosed are biosynthetic methods and engineered microorganism that enhance or improve the biosynthesis of hexamethylenediamine, caproic acid or caprolactam. The engineered microorganisms include selected aldehyde dehydrogenase activity.