The metabolism of ethylbenzene hydroperoxide in the rat

Ethyl[14C]benzene hydroperoxide administered orally to female rats (30 mg/kg) is rapidly absorbed and metabolized. Most of the administered compound (81%) is eliminated in the 0-24 h urine. Major metabolites include mandelic acid (23%), hippuric acid (34%) and 1-phenylethyl glucuronide (4%). Ethyl[14C]benzene is metabolized via 1-phenylethanol to the same mixture of metabolites as obtained with the hydroperoxide. Biotransformations of the hydroperoxide and their likely biochemical mechanisms are discussed.