The promoting effect of organotin compounds upon peroxidation of oleic acid

The effect of the organotin compounds RnSnCl4−n (n = 1–3; where R = Me, Et, n-Bu and Ph) upon oleic ((Z)-9-octadecenoic) acid oxidation by dioxygen has been studied at 25, 37, 65, and 95 °C. The promoting effect of organotins upon the formation of oleic acid hydroperoxides is temperature dependent and is at a maximum at a temperature close to the physiological one, but the impact of organotins upon oleic acid peroxidation decreases in the presence of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol. The role of organic free radicals derived from the SnC bond cleavage in the oxidation of oleic acid is discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.