Characterization of semiquinone free radicals formed from stilbene catechol estrogens. An ESR spin stabilization and...

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy has been used to detect, characterize, and to infer structures of o-semiquinones derived from stilbene catechol estrogens. Radicals were generated enzymatically using tyrosinase and were detected as their Mg2+ complexes. It is suggested that initial hydroxylation of stilbene estrogen gives a catechol estrogen in situ; subsequent two-electron oxidation of the catechol to the quinone, followed by reverse disproportionation, leads to the formation of radicals. Consistent with this mechanism, o-phenylenediamine, a quinone trapping agent, inhibits formation of o-semiquinones. A competing mechanism of radical production involves autoxidation of the catechol. Hydroxyl radicals are shown to be produced in this system via a mechanism involving reduction of iron and copper complexes by stilbene catechols. Possible differences in the reactivity of stilbene ortho- and para-semiquinones are discussed.