Reactions of oxygen radicals with the quinone ring of coenzyme Q

Coenzyme Q, besides its role in electron transfer reactions, may act as a radical scavenger. The effect of oxygen radicals produced by ultrasonic irradiation on the quinone ring was investigated. Aqueous solutions of a Q homologue, completely lacking the side chain, were irradiated and the modifications were spectrophotometrically followed. The experimental results show that both degradation and reduction of the benzoquinone ring took place when the irradiation was performed in water. Data obtained when ultrasonic irradiation was carried out in the presence of OH. scavengers, as formate, organic and inorganic buffers, suggest: a) the responsible species for most the ubiquinol generated by sonication appeared to be the superoxide radical b) addition reactions of OH. radicals with the aromatic ring led probably to the degradation of Coenzyme Q molecules.