Resonant electron capture by quercetin derivatives

Abstract

According to available experimental data, the formation of long-lived (∼10−5 s) negative molecular ions (NMIs) due to resonant electron capture (REC) by polyatomic molecules is observed experimentally with the proviso that their electron affinity (EA) is on the order of several tenths of electronvolt or above. Such compounds are characterized by large NMI formation cross sections. High ability to effectively capture thermal electrons correlates with their ability to capture free radicals, in particular, to act as inhibitors of radical polymerization [1]. It is likely that these compounds will exhibit antioxidant activity as well. It is therefore of interest to use the REC technique for studying antioxidant compounds, of which the bioflavonoid quercetin (QU) (1) (Fig. 1) and its derivatives are prominent representatives [2, 3].