Synthesis and spin-trapping properties of a trifluoromethyl analogue of DMPO: 5-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (5-TFDMPO).

The 5-diethoxyphosphonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide superoxide spin adduct (DEPMPO-OOH) is much more persistent (about 15 times) than the 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide superoxide spin adduct (DMPO-OOH). The diethoxyphosphonyl group is bulkier than the methyl group and its electron-withdrawing effect is much stronger. These two factors could play a role in explaining the different half-lifetimes of DMPO-OOH and DEPMPO-OOH.

Synthesis of a New Spin Trap: 2-(Diethoxyphosphoryl)-2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole 1-Oxide.

Recently, the synthesis of a new phosphorylated nitrone, 2-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole 1-oxide (DEPMPO) (2) was described. The presence of the phosphorylated group strongly stabilized the DEPMPO-superoxide spin adduct. To understand the role of the diethoxyphosphoryl group in this stabilization, a new phosphorylated nitrone, 2-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole 1-oxide (DEPPPO) (7), was prepared through a four-step synthetic pathway, and its ability to trap free radicals was investigated.