Novel methods for the in vivo production of phenol from renewable substrates using a recombinant microorganism (FIG. 1). Additionally, methods for the in vivo production of catechol and cis,cis-muconic acid from renewable substrates using a recombinant microorganism are disclosed. A host cell expresses at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses isochorismate synthase activity, at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses isochorismate pyruvate lyase activity, and at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses salicylic acid decarboxylase activity. In the case of catechol, the host cell must additionally express at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses phenol 2-monooxygenase activity. In the case of cis,cis-muconic acid, the host cell must additionally express at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses phenol 2-monooxygenase activity and at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses catechol-1,2-dioxygenase activity.