The metabolism of some aromatic aldehydes and alcohols by the rat intestinal microflora.

Abstract

1. The metabolism by rat caecal micro-organisms of several benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol derivatives containing hydroxyl and/or methoxyl groups has been investigated.2. The benzaldehyde derivatives were found to be reduced to the corresponding alcohols and oxidized to the corresponding acids. The former reaction was predominant and the oxidative pathway could be selectively reduced by using aged cultures or antibiotic treatment.3. Several of the benzaldehyde derivatives were metabolized to compounds suggested to be 1,1-diols (aldehyde hydrates).4. The benzyl alcohol derivatives containing a r-hydroxyl group or those capable of obtaining such a group through O-demethylation were reduced to the corresponding toluene derivatives.