Carotenoid radical interaction peroxyl radicals

P-Carotene has received considerable attention in recent times as a putative chain breaking antioxidant, although it does not have the characteristic structural features associated with conventional primary antioxidants, but its ability to interact with free radicals including peroxyl radicals is well documented." Burton and Ingold" were the first researchers who investigated the mechanisms by which P-carotene acts as a chain breaking antioxidant. In fact, the extensive systan of conjugated double bonds makes carotenoids very susceptible to radical addition, a procedure which eventually leads to the free radical form of the carotenoid molecule. 

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