Microbial transformation of p-cymene

More than 30 bacteria, fungi and yeast were evaluated for the biotransformation ability of p-cymene to obtain new metabolites. In the course of 14 days microbial biotransformation period, 16 different metabolites were detected by TLC and GC/MS methods. p -cymen-8-ol and cumin alcohol were characterized as the initial metabolites by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Metabolites from Penicillium claviforme were identified as 3-methyl phenol or 2-methyl phenol, phenylethyl alcohol, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxybenzyl alcohol.