Toxicologic studies on hydrocarbons: XI. Influence of dose on the metabolism of mono- n-alkyl derivatives of benzene

The urinary sulfate ratio decreases progressively in male albino rats dosed orally with increasing amounts of mono- n-alkyl derivatives of benzene. The extent of ring hydroxylation increases with increasing length of the alkyl side chain. These studies indicate that there is a dual metabolic pathway, alkyl side-chain oxidation and ring hydroxylation, for the elimination of n-alkylbenzenes. The preferred pathway appears to be side-chain oxidation. The introduction of a phenolic hydroxyl is used as an alternate, secondary route of conversion when the dose is increased.