BROMINATION OF PHENOLS USING AN ALGAL BROMOPEROXIDASE

A crude acetone powder preparation from the red alga Corallina vancouveriensis has been found to serve as a convenient source of bromoperoxidase. This acetone powder (CVAP) catalyses the bromination of phenols in the presence of H2O2 and bromide. Conversion of substrate to product(s) is usually rapid and in high yield. The enzyme in the form of CVAP exhibits significantly greater stability than either the cell-free extract or purified bromoperoxidase. CVAP may be useful as a general source of bromoperoxidase and may extend the utility of this enzyme as a chemoenzymatic reagent.