Effect of ascorbic acid and its derivatives on the radiation-induced transformations of oxygenated ethanol and its aqueous solutions

Upon irradiation ascorbic acid and 5,6-O-isopropylidene-2,3-O-dimethylascorbic acid are capable of lowering the yields of the main products of γ-radiolysis of oxygen-saturated ethanol or its aqueous solutions at pH 7 by virtue of reduction of peroxyl radicals and oxidation of α-hydroxyethyl radicals, respectively. In addition to the ability to inhibit radiation-induced transformations of oxygenated ethanol and its aqueous solutions at pH 7, ascorbic acid can participate in reactions resulting in the formation of additional amounts of reactive oxygen species, which must be taken into account when considering its role in free-radical processes in biological systems.