Synthesis of poly(4-methoxyphenol) by enzyme-catalyzed polymerization and evaluation of its antioxidant activity

Abstract

The efficient polymerization of 4-methoxyphenol in an aqueous micelle system has been realized with horseradish peroxidase as an enzymatic catalyst and sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant. The obtained polymer is a kind of light yellow powder, which is completely soluble in acetone, DMF, DMSO and THF. Particle size distribution and ¹H NMR analysis indicate that the polymerization is performed mainly in the palisade layer of micelles. The number-average molecular weight of poly(4-methoxyphenol) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is about 1000. IR analysis shows that both phenylene and oxyphenylene units are contained in the polymer structure. Results of antioxidant activity tests indicate that poly(4-methoxyphenol) possesses excellent antioxidant properties and may be used as a highly efficient antioxidant agent.