Effect of experimental factors on the prooxidant behavior of α‐tocopherol

Abstract

Abstract We have investigated the effect of experimental factors on the prooxidant effect of α‐tocopherol during the autoxidation of linoleic acid. The prooxidant effect depended on two factors: the concentration of α‐tocopherol (≥ 5 x 10 −3 mol α‐tocopherol/1 mol linoleic acid) and the solvent, an aqueous system in which the prooxidant effect occurred more easily. On the other hand, the prooxidant behavior of α‐tocopherol was unaffected by the type of surfactant used in water as well as by the presence of different salts. The initial content of hydroperoxides affected the intensity of the prooxidant effect which varied in an inverse ratio to the initial hydroperoxide level.