Superoxide reactions with organic compounds

An important detail should be mentioned molecular oxygen, representing a triplet (biradical) in the main state, enters only single-electron reactions with organic compounds. Therefore, in homogeneous oxidation free radicals are necessarily generated to the reaction system. Activation of 02 by transition metals, iron ions, in particular, provides for formation of linked oxygen shaped as a superoxide ion ... 

In addition, Staehelln and Holgne (23-25). from Information In the radiochemical literature, have provided a clear (although In practice, complicated) picture of the radical cycle in the so-called "Indirect" ozonation reactions, whereby superoxide is also formed from the reaction of hydroxyl radical with organic compounds in the presence of oxygen. 

Carbon dioxide, CO2, is a typical component of the gaseous environment for reactions in air or in the presence of air traces. Therefore, both interactions between CO2 and organic ion-radicals as well as reactions of 62 with uncharged molecules of organic compounds should be considered. Interaction of CO2 with organic anion-radicals leads, as a rule, to carboxylic acids COj" anion-radicals are not formed. Even such a one-electron reductant as the superoxide ion (in aprotic medium) simply adds to carbon dioxide CO2 + O2 -> 00-C02. The additional product accepts an electron ... 

The generation of a new peak not associated with either Alq3 or oxygen is indicative of the formation of a new chemical species. The mechanism of this reaction is based on the nucleophilic character of the superoxide ion toward metal ions and organic compounds.47 The neutral species shows no sensitivity to superoxide, but upon reduction, the chelate bonds are weakened enough to allow attack by the base... 

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