Singlet molecular oxygen: Dusseldorf - Sao Paulo, the Brazilian connection

Inspired by Helmut Sies we continue the development of suitable chemical generators of O-1(2) based on the thermodissociation of naphthalene endoperoxide derivatives. The present manuscript focuses on how the use of [O-18] -labeled endoperoxides and hydroperoxides can be applied to study mechanistic aspects related to the generation of singlet molecular oxygen and its reactions in biological systems. The peroxidation reactions of the main cellular targets including unsaturated lipids, proteins and nucleic acids have received major attention during the last three decades. Emphasis is placed in this manuscript on the description of the synthesis and the main use of [O-18]-labeled compounds, and especially of peroxides and O-1(2), for tracer elucidation of reaction mechanisms. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.