Biotransformation of 3-Methylphthalate by Micrococcus sp. Strain 12B

SUMMARY: When Micrococcus strain 12B grown on o-phthalate was incubated with 3-methylphthalate, three compounds accumulated. These were shown to be 2-pyrone-3-methyl-4,6-dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy-6-methylphthalic acid, and 5-hydroxy-3-methylphthalic acid, all previously undescribed. A pathway for the formation of these compounds is proposed.