Enzymatic catalysis on coal-related compounds in organic media: kinetics and potential commercial applications

✍ Scribed by Jonathan S. Dordick; Keungarp Ryu; James P. McEldoon

• Book ID: 103934586
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1991
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 812 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0921-3449
• DOI: 10.1016/0921-3449(91)90025-j

✦ Synopsis

Enzymatic catalysis in nonaqueous media has been considered for use in the modification of coal and related compounds including lignin and phenolic resins. This paper reviews the use of horseradish peroxidase and several other oxidative enzymes in organic media, and selected applications of these enzymes in such environments. These applications include phenolic polymerizations, lignin depolymerization, and S-oxidation of dibenzothiophene. The latter application is particularly relevant to coal desulfurization. Specifically, horseradish peroxidase, laccase, and chloroperoxidase were capable of oxidizing dibenzothiophene in 25% dimethylformamide. Yields of over 40% were obtained. Such an enzymatic reaction, used in conjunction with further microbial steps can be used to remove sulfur from coal.

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