ESR spin-trapping studies on the formation of thiosulfate and sulfide radical anions in aqueous solutions

The first spin-trapping evidence for the formation of thiosulfate (S2O3-.) and sulfide (S-.) radical anions from the reactions of hydrogen peroxide with thiosulphate and sulphide ions, respectively, was presented by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy using 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonate (DBNBS, 1a) as a spin-trap in aqueous solutions. From the facts that the short-lived radical anions, S2O3-. and S-., could be detected during the oxidation with H2O2, it is suggested that these radical anions may become one of the candidates for the toxicity of sulfide ion in the living body.