How α-tocopherol quenches triplet state riboflavin? Insights from theory

In the present study, the quenching mechanisms of triplet state riboflavin (RF) by α-tocopherol (α-T) have been explored employing density functional theory calculations. Three possible pathways, i.e., one-step H-atom transfer, direct electron-transfer and sequential proton-loss electron-transfer are proposed to account for the triplet state RF quenching by α-T in polar protic media.