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The synthesis and characterization of a new radical and its use for testing the antioxidant activity ofpolyphenols by elec
tron
transfer are reported. This new and stable species of magnetic nature,
tris(2,3,5,6-te
trachloro-4-ni
trophenyl)methyl (TNPTM) radical, has been characterized by elec
tron paramagnetic resonance and its molecular s
tructure determined by X-ray analysis. This new radical of thePTM (perchloro
triphenylmethyl) series, unlike 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, is stablein conditions of hydrogen abs
traction reactions. TNPTM radical is able to discriminate between theantioxidant activities of catechol and pyrogallol in hydroxylated solvent mixtures such as chloroform/methanol (2:1). These features determine the antioxidant/pro-oxidant character and the biological activitiesof natural and synthetic flavonoids.