The metabolism of pentachloronitrobenzene and 2:3:4:6-tetrachloronitrobenzene and the formation of mercapturic acids in the rabbit

Abstract

In the rabbit 2:3:5:6-tetrachloronitrobenzene is metabolized by reduction of the nitro group, hydroxylation and mercapturic acid formation (Bray, Hybs, James & Thorpe, 1953). The last reaction is of particular interest since it is accom- panied by loss of a nitro group directly attached to the benzene ring. Two further examples of this type of reaction were encountered when penta- chloronitrobenzene and 2:3:4:6-tetrachloronitro- benzene were given to rabbits (Betts, James & Thorpe, 1953). A more detailed study of the meta- bolism of these two compounds is now reported. The stability of the nitro group in pentachloro-, the tetrachloro-and three trichloro-nitrobenzenes has been examined in relation to formation of mer- capturic acids from the highly chlorinated nitro- benzenes.