In situ measurement of free radical formation during the thermal decomposition of grape seed oil using "spin trapping" and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

The generation of free radical intermediates as a result of the oxidative degradation of lipid molecules during the heating of grape seed oil has been established by a combination of "spin trapping" and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The effects of temperature on the rates of formation and decomposition of the adduct with the spin trap N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN) have been investigated over the temperature range 105-180°C. The results show that PBN can be used for studies of free radical processes in oils in situ in the spectrometer cavity at temperatures up to 180°C.