The metabolism of 7- and 12-methylbenz[a]anthracene and their derivatives.

1. 7- and 12-Methylbenz[a]anthracene were converted by rat-liver homogenates into the corresponding hydroxymethyl derivatives, products that are probably the 8,9-dihydro-8,9-dihydroxy and the 5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy derivatives, and a number of phenolic products. 2. Both hydrocarbons were converted into glutathione conjugates; that from 7-methylbenz[a]anthracene was also formed, together with 5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy- and 5-hydroxy-benz[a]anthracene, from 5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-7-methylbenz[a]anthracene. 3. 7- and 12-Hydroxymethyl-benz[a]anthracene were converted into products that are probably 8,9-dihydro-8,9-dihydroxy derivatives, and into phenols. 4. The preparation of a number of derivatives of the hydrocarbons is described. 5. The oxidation of the hydrocarbons with lead tetra-acetate was investigated.