The bacterial metabolism of 2,4-xylenol.

1. Measurements of the rates of oxidation of various compounds by a fluorescent Pseudomonas indicated that metabolism of 2,4-xylenol was initiated by oxidation of the methyl group para to the hydroxyl group. 2. 4-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzoic acid was isolated as the product of oxidation of 2,4-xylenol by cells inhibited with alphaalpha'-bipyridyl. 3. 4-Hydroxyisophthalic acid accumulated at low oxygen concentrations when either 2,4-xylenol or 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzoic acid was oxidized by cells grown with 2,4-xylenol. 4. When supplemented with NADH, but not with NADPH, cell extracts oxidized 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzoic acid readily. 2-Hydroxy-5-methylbenzoic acid was not oxidized. 5. Both 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were oxidized to beta-oxoadipic acid by cell extracts supplemented with either NADH or NADPH. 4,5-Dihydroxyisophthalic acid was not oxidized. 6. From measurements of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide evolved it was concluded that protocatechuic acid is an intermediate in the conversion of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid into beta-oxoadipic acid.