Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Benzylsuccinate Formation as a Means of Anaerobic Toluene Activation by Sulfate-Reducing Strain PRTOL1
Abstract:
Permeabilized cells of toluene-mineralizing, sulfate-reducing strain PRTOL1 catalyzed the addition of toluene to fumarate to form benzylsuccinate under anaerobic conditions. Recent in vitro studies with two toluene-mineralizing, denitrifying bacteria demonstrated the same fumarate addition reaction and indicated that it may be the first step of anaerobic toluene degradation. This study with strain PRTOL1 shows that anaerobic toluene activation by fumarate addition occurs in bacteria as disparate as sulfate-reducing and denitrifying species (members of the delta and beta subclasses of the Proteobacteria, respectively).
Related Concept Videos
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Nitration of Benzene
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Reduction of Benzene to Cyclohexane: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Benzene to 1,4-Cyclohexadiene: Birch Reduction Mechanism
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Fluorination and Iodination of Benzene
