Synthesis and characterization of a perchlorotriphenylmethyl (trityl) triester radical: a potential sensor for superoxide and oxygen in biological systems
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps
Published on: August 18, 2012
Vinh Dang1, Jinhua Wang, Song Feng
1Center for Biomedical EPR Spectroscopy and Imaging, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Abstract:
Synthesis and characterization of an inert perchlorotriphenylmethyl triester radical, PTM-TE, are reported. PTM-TE was prepared by a facile 3-step synthesis using Friedel-Crafts reaction of tetrachlorobenzene with chloroform followed by ethoxycarbonylation and subsequent oxidation. PTM-TE is paramagnetic and exhibits a single sharp EPR spectrum. In solution, the EPR linewidth of PTM-TE is highly sensitive to the dissolved oxygen content, thus enabling accurate measurement of oxygen concentration (oximetry). In addition, the radical also shows high reactivity towards superoxide. The ester radical has the potential for use as a high-sensitive probe for determination of oxygen concentration and superoxide in biological systems.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Autoxidation
Radical Reactivity: Steric Effects
Along with electronic factors, steric factors also account...
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals
Radical Reactivity: Electrophilic Radicals
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols
