Biodegradation of n-alkylcycloalkanes and n-alkylbenzenes via new pathways in Alcanivorax sp strain MBIC 4326

The degradation of long-chain n-alkylbenzenes and n-alkylcyclohexanes by Alcanivorax sp. strain MBIC 4326 was investigated. The alkyl side chain of these compounds was mainly processed by P-oxidation. In the degradation of n-alkylcyclohexanes, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was formed as an intermediate. This compound,vas further transformed to benzoic acid via 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid.