Comparative QSAR: On the toxicology of the phenolic OH moiety

In this report we consider the effect of substituents on phenol toxicity and show how the parameters used in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) can be used to draw mechanistic inferences of value in understanding the reasons behind the various types of toxicity. In particular, we are interested in gaining clearer insight into mechanisms via the Hammett-type parameters sigma, sigma (-), sigma (+) and octanol/water partition coefficients. Particular attention is given to the role of radical reactions and their role in attacking DNA to cause cancer or estrogenic toxicity.