Degradation of a non‐phenolic arylglycerol β‐aryl ether by Streptomyces cyaneus

Abstract
A non‐phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin substructure model compound, 1,3‐dihydroxy‐2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)‐1‐(4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)propane, was degraded by streptomyces cyaneus in liquid shaken cultures. 4‐Ethoxy‐3‐methoxybenzoic acid could be identified by TLC and GC/MS as the main product, indicating the cleavage of the CαCβ bond of the aryl glycerol‐β‐aryl ether. In addition, 4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde and guaiacol were identified in culture extracts as further degradation products.