Diamination by N-coupling using a commercial laccase Original Research Article

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