The metabolic conversion of naphthalene to 1:2-dihydronaphthalene-1:2-diol

Abstract

A study of the structure of a leyorotatory compound isolated from the urine of rats dosed with naphthalene by subcut. injn. or by stomach tube led to the conclusion that this compound was 1:2-dihydronaphthalene-l:2-diol. The amts. of this metabolite isolated from the urine accounted for 4.5-10.5% of the naphthalene administered. The urine of rats dosed with naphthalene also contained 1-1-naphthylmercapturic acid and a compound which yielded naphthalene when decomposed by acid. The isolation of phenolic compounds after the acid hydrolysis of urine excreted by animals dosed with cyclic hydrocarbons is discussed in relation to the excretion of compounds of the type of l:2-dihydronaphthalene-l:2-diol.