Biomimetic Oxidation of Veratryl Alcohol with H2O2 Catalyzed by Iron(III) Porphyrins and Horseradish Peroxidase in Ionic Liquid

Abstract

3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl alcohol (veratryl alcohol) is a model compound for lignin substructures and its oxidation with H2O2 catalyzed by iron(III) porphyrins and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in ionic liquids has been described. Veratraldehyde and 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methoxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione were the two major products of the oxidation of veratryl alcohol at room ­temperature. The iron(III) porphyrin or HRP immobilized in ionic liquids showed increased catalytic activity and can be recycled and this is believed due to the stabilization of highvalent oxo­iron(IV) π-cation radical intermediate generated in the reaction.