What Are Hydroxyradicals?
Hydroxyradicals, represented by the chemical formula -OH, are radicals corresponding to hydroxy groups. The free group OH and the atomic group OH are referred to as hydroxyl radicals. The cation OH+ is known as the hydroxylium ion, while the anion OH- is termed the hydroxide ion. In the context of a ligand, it is represented by hydroxide or hydroxo. The -OH substituent in a compound is called a hydroxy group.
Hydroxyradicals are the three-electron-reduced form of oxygen, being the most reactive and most oxidizing among reactive oxygen species. They can react with various substances, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Due to their extremely high reactivity, hydroxyradicals have a very short lifespan in normal environmental conditions and disappear rapidly after formation.
Uses of Hydroxyradicals
Hydroxyl radicals are produced during certain chemical reactions, causing oxidation and then quickly disappearing.
In vitro, they can be generated through ultraviolet irradiation of hydrogen peroxide or by the Fenton reaction, which involves the catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide with a divalent iron compound under acidic conditions.
In vivo, hydroxyl radicals are produced inside mitochondria and cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell damage. They are implicated in the development of diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Antioxidants known to neutralize hydroxyl radicals in the body include hydrogen, β-carotene, α-carotene, vitamin E, uric acid, linoleic acid, cysteine, flavonoids, and glutathione.