Microsomal ring-fission of cis- and trans-acenaphthene-1,2-diol

1. The ring-fission of cis- and trans-acenaphthene-1,2-diol by rat liver microsomes was studied. 2. 1,8-Naphthalic acid was detected and isolated after microsomal incubations of the diols. 3. The accompanying reduction of NAD(+) was followed spectrophotometrically. 4. The optimum pH for the microsomal reaction was 9.4 for the oxidation of the cis-diol and 9.8 for that of the trans-diol. 5. p-Chloromercuribenzoate and 2,4-dichlorophenol inhibited the reaction. 6. Possible mechanisms for the microsomal ring-fission, involving 1,8-naphthalic aldehyde, are discussed.