The transformation of chlorophenols by lactoperoxidase

The lactoperoxidase-catalyzed transformations of penta-, 2,3,4,6,-tetra-, 2,4,6,-tri, 2,4,-di- and 4-monochlorophenol were followed spectrophotometrically. Apparent stoichiometries of chlorophenol: H₂O₂ ranged from 1:1 for the tri- and tetrachlorophenol at pH 7 to 5:2 for pentachlorophenol at pH 4. The initial velocity (ν₀) was only slightly influenced by changes in H₂O₂] ? 5 μM. ν₀ responded to chlorophenol] according to the empirical expression ν₀ = lactoperoxidase]·(k₁chlorphenol] + k₂chlorophenol]²). The constant k₁ was found to be 5.8 · 10⁵, 1.8 · 10⁶, 1.9 · 10⁶ M^?1 · s^?1 for the protonated forms of penta-, tetra- and trichlorophenol, respectively, at pH 7. With the di- and monochlorophenol the solution soon became opaque, and the reaction ceased. The results show that more than one reaction occurs. Some comparisons were also made with horseradish peroxidase A and C. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide prevented opaqueness, but was shown to be a substrate for lactoperoxidase. Assuming an average concentration of 0.1 μM for H₂O₂ and pentachlorophenol in man, the metabolic rate becomes 30 ng/h per g peroxidase-containing tissue, possibly with deposition of the products.