Hello, I am looking for a compound which could selectively quench reactive oxygen species while not quenching carbon centered radicals (for a polymerization reaction). Thanks a lot.
Commonly, ROS are radicals and peroxides. No problems to selectively scavenge peroxides. What radicals do you want selectively scavenge?
The question cannot be answered, because ROS is a misnomer. As Yuri already implied, different species have different reactivities. I suppose that it is the widespread use of this awful acronym that lead to this question. Check the NIST database on rate constants for superoxide, hydroxyl, etc., and decide on a scavenger.
If trace metal ions such as iron and copper are present in your reaction mixture they will catalyse formation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals providing there is also oxygen or hydrogen peroxide present. Thus a strong metal ion chelator such as desferrioxamine could selectively reduce these radicals- so providing your carbon centred radical formation can be activated by a means independent of superoxide or hydroxyl radicals this might work. Alternatively you could deoxygenate your reaction mixture and add the enzyme catalase to remove traces of hydrogen peroxide providing this process does not interfere with the reaction you wish to induce.
I agree fully on the points suggested by Dr. Richard J Naftalin. Polyphenols such as green tea catechins that undergo oxidative porimerization with oxygen species, may also be considered.
Good luck.
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