Enzymatic synthesis of polyphenols from highly phenolic lignin-based polymers (lignophenols).

Peroxidase-catalyzed polymerization of lignin-based macromonomers (lignophenols), lignocatechol and lignocresol, prepared by phenolation of lignin with catechol or p-cresol, was carried out in aqueous organic solvent mixtures. The two lignophenols were polymerized to give cross-linked polymers. The highest yield of polymerization (83%, w/w) was obtained with lignocatechol, and the maximum yield for the polymerization of lignocresol was 55% (w/w). Pyrolysis GC-MS analysis of polymers indicated that the polymerization of lignophenols involved the oxidative coupling of the introduced phenol derivatives.