On a revised mechanism of side product formation in the lignin peroxydase catalyzed oxidation of veratryl alcohol

The O2-dependent formation of side products during the oxidation of veratryl alcohol (VA) by lignin peroxidase has previously been proposed to start with the attack of H2O on the VA radical cation (VA. ). This initial reaction is unlikely since it would also lead to side product formation in the absence of O2, which is not the case. In the current mechanism VA. reacts first with O2, whereafter H2O attacks. Furthermore, this paper describes an alternative explanation for the inhibitory effect of Mn2 on VA side product formation. It is proposed that Mn2 reduces reactive intermediates back to VA.