Chemoenzymatic synthesis of a poly(hydroquinone)

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of a poly(hydroquinone) was achieved by enzymatic oxidative polymerization of 4-hydroxyphenyl benzoate, followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the resulting polymer. The polymerization of 4-hydroxyphenyl benzoate was performed using a peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide as catalyst and oxidizing agent, respectively, in an aqueous organic solvent. Soybean peroxidase afforded the polymer in good yields. IR analysis of the polymer showed the formation of the polymer consisting of a mixture of phenylene and oxyphenylene units. By alkaline hydrolysis of the resulting polymer, benzoate moiety was completely removed to give poly(hydroquinone).