Anaerobically catalyzes the stereospecific hydration of beta-myrcene to (3S)-linalool and the isomerization of (3S)-linalool to geraniol. Is thus involved in the initial steps of the anaerobic degradation of the monoterpene beta-myrcene. Also catalyzes the reverse reactions, i.e. the isomerization of geraniol to linalool and the dehydration of linalool to myrcene. In this direction, the formation of myrcene from geraniol may be seen as a detoxification process for the monoterpene alcohol. Neither the monoterpenes alpha- and beta-ocimene nor the monoterpenoids citronellol and nerol can be used as substrates. (S)-linalool = beta-myrcene + H2O (2E)-geraniol = (S)-linalool Is inhibited by molecular oxygen, high salt concentrations (NaCl, KCl, or MgCl(2)), urea, and Ti(III)citrate. Activity is not affected by EDTA. Optimum pH is 9.0 for the linalool dehydratase activity. Optimum temperature is 35 degrees Celsius for the linalool dehydratase activity. Terpene metabolism; monoterpene degradation. Homotetramer. By monoterpenes such as limonene and myrcene, but not by acetate. Requires DTT as a reducing agent for activity in vitro.