Volatile Substances from Actinomycetes: Their Role in the Odor Pollution of Water

In this review article the isolation, structure proof and chemical syntheses of three volatile, highly odorous metabolites of actinomycetes are presented as well as their relation to odor problems in natural waters. They are geosmin, methylisoborneol and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxy pyrazine. Other volatile but less odorous metabolites of actinomycetes including “mucidone” are mentioned.