Alkyl Chloride-Functionalized Polymers Mediate Oxidation of Thioethers Initiated by Ionizing Radiation

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

J. Liu (TU Delft - RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes)

I. Piergentili (TU Delft - ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter)

B. Xu (TU Delft - RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes)

Antonia G. Denkova (TU Delft - RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes)

R. Eelkema (TU Delft - ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter)

Research Group
RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.5c00054
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes
Issue number
6
Volume number
7
Pages (from-to)
3835-3841
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Abstract

Irradiation of aqueous solutions containing alkyl chlorides generates peroxyl radicals by reactions of alkyl chlorides, aqueous electrons, and dissolved oxygen. The peroxyl radical can oxidize thioethers to sulfoxides, a transformation that has relevance for targeted or triggered drug delivery. However, small-molecule alkyl chlorides can induce liver damage, which limits their potential for application in anticancer therapy. Here, we show that alkyl chlorides bound to a hydrophilic random copolymer chain behave similar to small-molecule alkyl chlorides. Our work shows that using polymeric alkyl chlorides can be an alternative to small-molecule alkyl chlorides provided that the alkyl chloride functionalities are easily accessible to aqueous electrons.