9 H ‐xanthene‐2,7‐diols as antioxidants for autoxidation of linoleic acid

The antioxidant activities of 9 H ‐xanthene‐2,7‐diols and α‐tocopherol were studied during the oxidation of linoleic acid in a homogeneous solution and in an aqueous micelle dispersion. The antioxidant activities of 9 H ‐xanthene‐2,7‐diols for both systems were 1.0–2.4 times greater relative to α‐tocopherol. In addition, the 1,3,4,5,6,8‐hexamethylxanthene‐2,7‐diol showed less cytotoxicity toward human fibroblasts than did 2,6‐di‐ t ‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol.