The metabolism of n-butyl glycidyl ether in the rat and rabbit

[1-14C]Butyl glycidyl ether administered orally to male rats and rabbits (20 mg/kg) is rapidly absorbed and metabolized. Most of the administered compound, 87% (rat) and 78% (rabbit), is eliminated in the 0-24 urine. Major metabolites in the rat include 3-butoxy-2-hydroxypropionic acid (9%), 3-butoxy-2-acetylaminopropionic acid (23%) and butoxyacetic acid (10%). 3-Butoxy-2-hydroxypropionic acid (35%) and butoxyacetic acid (5%) are also major metabolites in the rabbit. Biotransformations of the glycidyl ether and their likely biochemical mechanisms are discussed.