Occurrence, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of pivalic acid and other compounds, having a quaternary carbon atom by different bacteria, are described. We have summarized the relevant data that have so far been published, presenting them in a graphical form, i.e., as biodegradation pathways including B-12-dependent isomerization and desaturation that lead to the degradation of pivalic acid and similar compounds to products with other than quaternary carbon atoms, i.e., compounds whose catabolism is well known.