SOTS-1 is an azo-compound that can be thermally decomposed in aqueous solution to create superoxide radical anion at a constant, controlled rate. Superoxide radical anion is a toxic by-product of mitochondrial respiration that is formed from approximately 1-4% of the oxygen metabolized by aerobic organisms. More specifically, SOTS-1 thermally decomposes to form an intermediate that reacts with oxygen at the diffusion-controlled limit to generate superoxide radical anion. The decay of SOTS-1 into the intermediate follows first order kinetics, and exhibits a half-life of 4900 seconds at physiological pH and temperature. This allows for study of the effect of superoxide on biologically relevant systems in a controlled environment that closely mimics conditions in vivo.
