Initial Reactions in the Oxidation of Anthracene by Cunninghamella elegans

Summary: Cunninghamella elegans oxidized anthracene predominantly to trans-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroanthracene and 1-anthryl sulphate. In addition, several unidentified metabolites were produced. The major compounds formed were isolated by TLC and HPLC, and identified by their UV-visible absorption and mass spectra. Experiments with [9-14C]anthracene indicated that the total amount of anthracene metabolized increased from 2.0% at 2 h to 26.9% at 48 h. The ratio of organic-soluble to water-soluble metabolites at 2 h was 85:15 while at 48 h it was 43:57. The results demonstrate that C. elegans has the ability to oxidize anthracene in a manner similar to that observed in mammals.