Polymerization: a Possible Consequence of Copper- Phenolic Interactions

Although many studies have been carried out on copper interactions with humic and fulvic acids, little is known about its interactions with phenolic compounds. In Alpine podzolic systems considerable amounts of phenols are released from the acidophilic vegetation cover (Rh. ferrugineum, Vacc. myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris), together with other primary and secondary metabolites present in leaves (Vaughan and Malcolm 1985). All year-round, and in particular during the period of senescence, these phenols are leached to the soil where they can participate in the humification processes. This study shows that under appropriate pH and redox conditions phenols interact with metallic cations and, therefore, may play a role in their intrapedic transfer. Moreover, the change in redox state as a result of Cu-phenolic interactions may modify the phenol stability itself and provoke the polymerisation of phenolic monomers.