Аntihydroperoxide/Antioxidant Action of Selected Organoselenium Compounds: A Mechanistic and Analytical Insight

ABSTRACT The present study is aimed at investigating the hydroperoxide scavenging activity and chemical mechanisms of the selected organoselenium compounds (diphenyl selenoxide, diphenyl selenide, and diphenyl diselenide) in reaction with model lipid hydroperoxide—cumene hydroperoxide. The reaction products were identified using GC–MS, HPLC, FT‐IR, and 1 H NMR techniques. The yield of free radicals was determined by the spin‐trap ESR study and inhibitors' method and evaluated to be less than 10 −5 within the accuracy of the used methods. It was established that the main products of the conversion of cumene hydroperoxide in the reaction with selected organoselenium compounds are dimethyl phenyl carbinol, acetophenone, and α ‐methylstyrene. The chemical mechanism of the antihydroperoxide action of selenium compounds has been suggested. The key lies in their ability to engage in multiple chemical pathways simultaneously. Notably, two‐electron transfer reactions take center stage, effectively neutralizing the hydroperoxides without generating strong reactive oxygen species—free radicals.