Peroxidase-catalyzed polymerization of fluorine-containing phenols

Peroxidase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of fluorine-containing phenol s has been performed in a mixture of a water-miscible organic solvent and b uffer at room temperature under air. The monomers used were 2,6-difluorophe nol, 3- and 4-fluorophenols. In the polymerization of 2,6-diflurophenol cat alyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP), effects of an organic solvent, buff er pH, and their mixed ratio have been systematically investigated with res pect to the polymer yield and molecular weight. The resulting polymer was s oluble in common polar organic solvents and showed good water repellent pro perty. From NMR and IR data, it was supposed that the polymer was of mainly 2,6-difluoro-1,4-oxyphenylene unit. Elemental analysis showed that the eli mination of a small amount of the fluorine atom took place during the polym erization. HRP catalysis induced the polymerization of 3- and 4-fluoropheno ls, yielding a new class of fluorine-containing polyphenols.