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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3el255

Why is the compound shown a better radical scavenger than phenol itself? Choose the main reason.

AIt reduces peroxides by forming a stable ester
BIt has no OH group, so it is oxidised slowly
CIt has a free carboxyl group that donates H+
DThe two bulky ortho groups shield the phenoxyl radical formed after H abstraction, making it long-lived

Answer: D

The compound shown is BHT. It donates the phenolic H atom to a chain-carrying peroxy radical; the phenoxyl radical formed is stabilised by the ring and sterically protected by two ortho tert-butyl groups, so it does not propagate the chain. The other options describe features that BHT lacks.

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