[The enzymatic decomposition of DDT. 2. Enzymatic secondary reactions]

Besides alterations of the DDT molecule by enzymatic reactions on its skeleton, modifications of the phenylic rings were noted recently. Especially DDE which has been considered very stable up to now is subject to an enzymatic hydroxylation with forming some isomers. Furthermore, the isolation of methylsulfonyl derivatives of DDE succeeded. Cleavages of the phenylic ring by microbial influences and its metabolization are described too.