Hydroxyl Radical

The hydroxyl radical (HO· or ·OH) is the neutral form of the hydroxide ion (OH–). It is a highly reactive and short-lived monovalent radical consisting of one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom with an unpaired electron. As a member of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is one of the most potent oxidizing agents, capable of damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids. It plays a significant role in both biological and environmental processes, acting as the "detergent" of the troposphere by degrading pollutants. While not typically considered a direct therapeutic target due to its indiscriminate reactivity and short lifespan, managing its production or mitigating its effects are areas of therapeutic interest.

Other names

oxidanyllambda1-oxidanehydridooxygen(.)HO··OH