Selective Peroxygenase-Catalysed Oxidation of Phenols to Hydroquinones

Abstract

An enzymatic method for the selective hydroxylation of phenols using a peroxygenase from Aspergillus brasiliensis (AbrUPO) is reported. A broad range of phenolic starting materials can be selectively transformed into the corresponding hydroquinones. Semi-preparative syntheses of several hydroquinones were realised without further optimization pointing out the applicability of this enzyme as biocatalyst.