Addition of carbon-centered radicals to aromatic antioxidants: mechanistic aspects

Thomas Nauser*, Janusz M. Gebicki

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    4 Citations (Scopus)
    51 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Several recent studies have shown that the rates of formation of adduct radicals between carbon-centred radicals and aromatic molecules are virtually diffusion-controlled and reversible. This contrasts with "radical addition", the well-known multistep reaction in preparative organic chemistry where the rate-determining initial formation of radical adducts is perceived to be several orders of magnitude slower and virtually irreversible. Using pulse radiolysis and spectroscopic analysis, we have now re-examined parts of this complex mechanism. The results have significant implications for biological systems: electron-rich, aromatic structures may act like buffers for radicals, moderating their reactivity resulting in a much slower reaction determining the overall rate of oxidation. In vivo, an organism would gain time for an appropriate antioxidant reaction.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)24572-24582
    Number of pages11
    JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
    Volume22
    Issue number42
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 14 Nov 2020

    Bibliographical note

    Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Addition of carbon-centered radicals to aromatic antioxidants: mechanistic aspects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this