METABOLISM OF POLYCYCLIC COMPOUNDS. THE METABOLISM OF 1,4-EPOXY-1,4-DIHYDRONAPHTHALENE IN RATS.

1. 1,4-Epoxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene is converted by rats into 1,4:2,3-diepoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, which was isolated from the urine. The synthesis of the diepoxide is described. 2. The monoepoxide also yielded a compound that is believed to be 1,4-dihydro-1,4-dihydroxynaphthalene, but no corresponding mercapturic acid was detected. A number of unidentified metabolites of the monoepoxide were detected that appear to arise by the hydroxylation of the diepoxide. 3. The monoepoxide is converted into the diepoxide by a rat-liver microsomal system. 4. 1,4-Epoxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene does not appear to be an intermediate in naphthalene metabolism.