The microbial degradation of phenylalkanes. 2-Phenylbutane, 3-phenylpentane, 3-phenyldodecane and 4-phenylheptane.

1. Two Pseudomonas strains capable of utilizing 2-phenylbutane, 3-phenylpentane and 4-phenylheptane as the sole carbon and energy source were isolated. 2. Two Nocardia strains capable of utilizing only 3-phenyldodecane as the sole carbon and energy source were isolated. 3. All the isolated strains were unable to grow on the corresponding phenylalkane-p-sulphonates. 4. From liquid cultures of Pseudomonas strains utilizing 2-phenylbutane, 2-(2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)butane was isolated and identified. Evidence for a meta cleavage of the benzene ring was also obtained. 5. From liquid cultures of Pseudomonas strains utilizing 3-phenylpentane, 3-(2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)pentane and 2-hydroxy-7-ethyl-6-oxonona-2,4-dienoic acid were isolated and identified. 6. Evidence for the formation of both a diol and a meta-cleavage compound was obtained from liquid cultures of both Pseudomonas strains utilizing 4-phenylheptane. 7. Liquid cultures of both Nocardia strains utilizing 3-phenyldodecane never formed a diol or a semialdehyde-related compound. 2-Phenylbutyric acid, 3-phenylvaleric acid and 4-phenylhexanoic acid were shown to be present in these cultures.