Abstract
Bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) for phenolic constituents from Tessaria integrifolia RUIZ. et Pavon and Piper elongatum VAHL. have been calculated using the semi-empirical molecular orbital (MO) method (PM3). A significant correlation between the BDE of the phenolics and their radical-scavenging effect was found. The BDEs evaluated by semi-empirical MOs can provide a convenient and useful clue for assessment of the antioxidative activity of phenolics.