Regioselective hydroxylation of chlorobenzene and chlorophenols by a Pseudomonas putida

Pseudomonas putida MST, previously isolated in the presence of α-methylstyrene, has been shown to transform several substituted aromatic compounds. It was able to modify halogenated aromatic compounds by co-oxidation. It regiospecifically hydroxylates chlorobenzene and 2-chlorophenol to 3-chlorocatechol, and 4-chlorophenol to 4-chlorocatechol; both metabolites were identified in the cultures.