Cytochrome P-450 hydroxylase

Aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly hydroxylated to phenolic products. Complex (12) hydroxylated benzene in MeCN at 20 °C into phenol in ca. 55% yield, and no isotope effect was found for this reaction. Hydroxylation of toluene mainly occurs at the ring positions, with minor amounts of benzylic oxidation products. Hydroxylation of 4-deuterotoluene by (12) occurred with 70% retention and migration of deuterium in the formation of p-cresol. This high NIH shift value is in the same range as that found for liver microsome cytochrome P-450 hydroxylase, and suggests the transient formation of arene oxide intermediates. 

Methods w ere determined for the preparation of cell extracts and membranes. Assays w ere set up for o>-oxidation enzymes (cytochrome P-450 hydroxylase, cviochrome P-450 reductase, alcohol oxidase, aldehyde dehydrogenase) and p-oxidation enz>mes (acyl CoA oxidase, hydratase). Conditions were established for cell growth, and induction of fatty acid oxidising enzymes, under laboratory conditions using C. cloacae parent and mutant strains. 

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