Diamination by n-coupling using a commercial laccase

Abstract

Nuclear diamination of p-hydrobenzoquinones with aromatic and aliphatic primary amines was catalyzed by a immobilised commercial laccase, Denilite II Base, from Novozymes. The amine and the p-hydrobenzoquinone was reacted under mild conditions (at room temperature and at 35oC in a reaction vessel open to air in the presence of laccase and a co-solvent to afford, exclusively, the diaminated pbenzoquinone. These compounds may have potential antiallergic, antibiotic, anticancer, antifungal, antiviral and 5-lipoxygenase inhibiting activity.