Biomimetic oxidation of veratryl alcohol with H2O2 catalyzed by iron(III) porphyrins and horseradish peroxidase in ionic liquid

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 oxo-iron(IV) pi-cation radical intermediate generated in the reaction.