Structure and Activity in Molluscicides III: Enzymatic Peroxidation of the Molluscicidal Agent Pentachlorophenol

Abstract

Pentachlorophenol, a widely used molluscicidal and herbicidal agent, is biologically oxidized through the catalytic effect of the protoporphyrin enzyme peroxidase, detected within the snail's body, to give 2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octachlorobiphenylquinone. This compound showed potent molluscicidal activity. The reaction goes through the symmetrical pairing of the initially formed chlorophenoxy radical, accompanied by the rupture of the para- (C—Cl) link. The eliminated chlorine ion was determined in the reaction medium.