ABSTRACT
A spin trap is a diamagnetic compound that reacts with a radical by addition of the radical functionality typically to a double bond in the trap, thus forming a new radical that is more stable (better, less unstable) than the original radical. By far the most common class of spin traps are nitrone compounds that, upon addition of the primary radical, produce a stable aminoxyl radical (Figure 10.1). The compound DMPO is the paradigmatic spin trap; it is readily available, widely used, and its EPR spectra are relatively easy to interpret. Some of its radical adducts have impractically short lifetimes.
