title: Carotene-oxygen radical interactions.
abstract: All-trans beta-carotene radical anion efficiently transfers an electron to oxygen but the reverse reaction is not observed and, instead we suggest the formation of a beta-carotene-superoxide radical addition complex. On the other hand, all-trans lycopene undergoes a reversible electron transfer with the superoxide radical. This distinctive behaviour may be related to the anti-cancer properties of these molecules.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Keele University, Staffs, UK.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Conn
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Land
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schalch
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Truscott
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D000077276:Lycopene; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000737:chemistry; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D019207:beta Carotene; D013481:Superoxides; D002338:Carotenoids; D010100:Oxygen; D000077276:Lycopene