Disposition and metabolism of 1,6-dimethylnaphthalene in rats

The distribution, excretion and metabolism of 1,6-dimethylnaphthalene following i.p. administration of a single dose of 20 mg/kg to rats, was investigated using radiotracer [3H] and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique (GC-MS). After 72 h, about 94% of the given dose was excreted in urine and feces. In organs and tissues, the highest concentration during the first hours after administration was detected in fat, liver, spleen and kidneys. Then gradual decline of tritium was noticed in all examined tissues. In urine, the following substances were identified and quantified by GC peak areas: unchanged 1,6-dimethylnaphthalene, 1-methyl-hydroxynaphthalenes, 1-hydroxymethyl-6-methylnaphthalene, 1,6-dimethyl-thionaphthalene, 6-methyl-1-naphthoic aldehyde, 6-methyl-1-naphthoic acid, 1,6-dimethyl-thionaphthalene and 1,6-dimethyl-methylthionaphthalene.