Studies in detoxication. 37. Metabolism of benzene. Examination of the glucuronide fraction of rabbit urine after administration of benzene. Isolation of phenylglucuronide

Abstract

The glucuronide fraction from the urine of rabbits dosed with benzene was examined and shown to be almost entirely phenylglucuronide which was isolated as its crystalline triacetylmethyl ester. Detailed examination of the glucuronide fraction using beta-glucuronidase and paper chromatography showed that this fraction contained only very small amts. of the polyphenols, catechol, quinol and hydroxyquinol. The dihydrodiol of benzene was not detected. The methyl ester, triacetylmethyl ester, amide and triacetyl amide have been prepared from phenylglucuronide.