Attack of radicals and protons on ladderane lipids: quantum chemical calculations and biological implications.

Quantum chemical calculations on possible decomposition processes for ladderane lipids are described. Based on the results of these calculations, it is proposed that hydrogen atom abstraction next to the ladderane core can lead to opening of the cyclobutane rings comprising the ladderane substructure, and protonation leads directly to fragmentation. Potential biological implications of these processes are discussed.