Characteristics and use as spin trapping agent of a beta-phosphorylated nitroso compound, DEPNP

2-(Diethylphosphonate)-nitrosopropane (DEPNP), prepared by oxidation of the corresponding aminophosphonate, was found to essentially exist as monomer in both water and organic solvents. The mechanisms of its degradation under 80 degrees C heating or visible light exposure were studied by EPR spectroscopy: its decomposition gave rise to paramagnetic by-products, which have been identified as DEPNP/.C(CH(3) )(2) [P(O)(OC(2) H(5) )(2) ] and DEPNP/.P(O)(OC(2) H(5) )(2) spin adducts. Despite this drawback, DEPNP was successfully used as spin trapping agents to scavenge various carbon - and phosphorus-centred free radicals both in aqueous and organic media, giving rise to intense EPR spectra characteristic of the species trapped.