Transformation of dimethylterephthalate by the fungus<i>Sclerotium rolfsii</i>

Abstract

The fungus Sclerotium rolfsii has been shown to catalyse the hydrolytic conversion of dimethylterephthalate to terephthalate through the formation of monomethylterephthalate. Identification of transformed products was carried out by physico-chemical methods. Further metabolism of terephthalate was not observed. The presence of phthalate esterase was detected in the mycelia of Sclerotium rolfsii.