Effect of phenolic compounds and quinones on radiation-induced oxidation processes of hexane and ethanol

The radiation-chemical yields were determined for the products of γ-radiation induced oxidation of hexane and ethanol in the presence of natural and synthetic phenolic compounds and quinones. It was found that the commercial antioxidants ionol and bisphenol 2246 more effectively inhibit the hexane oxidation process while α-tocopherol and quinones are superior to other test compounds in the suppression of ethanol oxidation. The results indicate that the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds and quinones depend not only on their structure but also on the nature of the oxidation substrate. The cause of this phenomenon is discussed.