2-(3-Methylbenzyl)succinic acid (3-mBSA) is a degradation product of anaerobic toluene and ethylbenzene/xylene. 2-(3-Methylbenzyl)succinic acid can serve as a qualitative in situ indicator of toluene and ethylbenzene/xylene in contaminated groundwater [1].
References:
[1]. Lotte Ask Reitzel A L, et al. Quantitative determination of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene degradation products in contaminated groundwater by solid-phase extraction and in-vial derivatization[J]. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2005, 85(14): 1075-1087.
References:
[1]. Lotte Ask Reitzel A L, et al. Quantitative determination of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene degradation products in contaminated groundwater by solid-phase extraction and in-vial derivatization[J]. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2005, 85(14): 1075-1087.