The formation of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile from related compounds in plants

Abstract

Soil microorganisms convert a range of 2,6-dichlorobenzaldoximes into 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile. Attempts to demonstrate conversion by plants (Salvinia auriculata, Pisum sativum, Zea mays, Linum usitatissimum, Sinapis alba), Avena sativa, and Brassica oleracea) and a free-living nematode (Turbatrix aceti) failed. Pseudomonas putrefaciens forms 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile from [alpha]-amino-2,6-dichlorobenzaldoxime and 2,6-dichlorobenzaldoxime. There is no significant difference between the rates of formation of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile from cis- and trans-2,6-dichlorobenzaldoxime.