Delineating oxidative processes of aqueous C60 preparations: role of THF peroxide

Environ Sci Technol. 2009 Jan 1;43(1):108-13. doi: 10.1021/es8019066.

Abstract

The oxidative reactivity of THF derivatives formed during THF/nC60 synthesis was evaluated with indigo dye as a model compound. The results showed that the formation of previously undetected oxidizing agents during THF/nC60 synthesis accounted for the degradation of indigo dye by THF/nC60 (THF/nC60/unwashed), while THF/nC60 after vigorous washing (THF/nC60/washed) and nC60 prepared without the use of THF were not reactive. gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) was detected by GC-MS in the THF/nC60/unwashed as one of THF derivatives, but showed no reactivity with indigo dye. An organic peroxide was detected in the THF/nC60/unwashed by HPLC, and was reactive with indigo dye. This compound was found to also account for the elevated antibacterial and bactericidal activities of THF/nC60/unwashed on E. coli. Analysis by LC/(+ESI)MS and 1H NMR showed that the detected THF peroxide was tetrahydro-2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylperoxy)furan. The formation of THF peroxide during the preparation of aqueous stable C60 aggregates provides another potential explanation for the reactivity and oxidative stress mechanisms of THF/nC60 system reported in the literature, although it does not exclude the potential reactivity and toxicity of nC60 itself.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Centrifugation
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Filtration
  • Fullerenes / chemistry*
  • Fullerenes / pharmacology
  • Furans / chemistry*
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Indigo Carmine
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Peroxides / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coloring Agents
  • Fullerenes
  • Furans
  • Indoles
  • Peroxides
  • Water
  • tetrahydrofuran
  • Indigo Carmine