The anaerobic decomposition of benzoic acid during methane fermentation. IV. Dearomatization of the ring and volatile fatty acids formed on ring rupture.

A possible pathway for the anaerobic utilization of benzoic acid by a methanogenic consortium is suggested. Cyclohexane carboxylic acid and 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid have been identified as intermediates before ring rupture. Suprisingly, 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid interferes with utilization of other cyclic acids. In addition, isobutyric acid or short chain acids containing carbon-carbon double bonds could not be used without induction periods of a week or longer. A number of volatile fatty acids (heptanoic, valeric, butyric, propanoic, and acetic) have been identified and are suggested intermediates.