Abstract
AbstractThe dinuclear zinc complex Zn2L2 (HL=2‐{[[di(2‐pyridyl)methyl](methyl)amino]methyl}phenol) has been synthesized and isolated as colorless crystals. The interaction of the compound with superoxide in anhydrous organic solvents has been evaluated by CV, stopped‐flow Uv‐vis, EPR and ESI‐MS suggesting the binding and the activation of the coordinated superoxide, thanks to the Lewis acidity of the Zn(II) centers. The results obtained in this study highlight the formation of a Zn2L2−O2.− intermediate and a metastable phenoxyl‐radical driven by the coordinated superoxide.
Highlights
Molecular dioxygen O2 is a fundamental component for aerobic life
During the biological processes, O2 is converted into reactive oxygen species (ROS) including the superoxide radical anion (O2*À ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the hydroxyl radical (HO*)
The superoxide radical might react with redox active metal centers starting a cascade of reactions that lead to the formation of HO*, a highly reactive specie responsible for the unselective oxidation of proteins, DNA and other biomolecules
Summary
During the biological processes, O2 is converted into reactive oxygen species (ROS) including the superoxide radical anion (O2*À ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the hydroxyl radical (HO*). The superoxide radical might react with redox active metal centers starting a cascade of reactions that lead to the formation of HO*, a highly reactive specie responsible for the unselective oxidation of proteins, DNA and other biomolecules. These phenomena are responsible for the so-called “oxidative stress”, a condition strongly related to several pathologies like Alzheimer and cancer.[1,2] The natural defence against ROS is provided by the combined action of antioxidant enzymes.
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