NAPHTALENE IS ESSENTIAL METABOLITE FOR SYNTHESIS OF N-PHENYL-2-NAPHTHYLAMINE AND PHTHALATES IN PISUM SATIVUM L.

Abstract

N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates are well known compounds, synthesized in chemical industry. These chemicals are known to be toxic for living organisms. At the same time N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine was found in plants, phthalates were found both in plants and bacteria. Currently, there are no data in scientific literature about the synthesis of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates in plant cells. Previously, we have established the presence of these compounds in root tissues and root exudates in legumes. The aim of this study was to find the ability of Pisum sativum L. to utilize naphthalene as a precursor for the synthesis of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates. As an object of study, roots of the etiolated pea seedlings, grown with 10-4 M naphthalene for 24 h, were used. Roots of seedlings grown on water were used as a control. Extracts, containing aromatic compounds were obtained by successive extraction with 80% ethanol and ethyl acetate from root seedlings, fixated with 95% ethanol. Using HPLC the concentrations of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, diethyl-, dibutyl- and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalates were estimated. To confirm the presence of phthalates in extracts, standard samples of corresponding compounds were used. Significant increases of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates concentrations in roots of pea plants, grown with naphthalene solution (compared to control plants), have shown that plant cells seem to use this compound as a necessary metabolite in biosynthesis of compounds mentioned above.