Mechanism and kinetics studies on the antioxidant activity of sinapinic acid

The OOH radical scavenging activity of sinapinic acid (HSA) has been studied in aqueous and lipid solutions, using the Density Functional Theory. HSA is predicted to react about 32.6 times faster in aqueous solution than in lipid media. The overall rate coefficients are predicted to be 5.39 x 10(5) and 1.66 x 10(4) M-1 s(-1), respectively. Branching ratios for the different channels of reaction are also reported for the first time, as well as the UV-Vis spectra of the main products of reaction. It was found that the reactivity of sinapinic acid towards OOH radicals takes place almost exclusively by H atom transfer from its phenolic moiety. However it was found to react via SET, at diffusion-limit controlled rate constants, with (OH)-O-center dot, (OCCl3)-O-center dot and (OOCCl3)-O-center dot radicals. It was found that the polarity of the environment and the deprotonation of HSA in aqueous solution, both increase the reactivity of this compound towards peroxyl radicals.