4-Hydroxy-TEMPO or TEMPOL, formally 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl, is a heterocyclic compound. Like the related TEMPO, it is used as a catalyst and chemical oxidant by virtue of being a stable aminoxyl radical. Its major appeal over TEMPO is that it is less expensive, being produced from triacetone amine, which is itself made via the condensation of acetone and ammonia. This makes it economically viable on an industrial scale.[3]
On an industrial-scale 4-hydroxy-TEMPO is often present as a structural element in hindered amine light stabilizers, which are commonly used stabilizers in plastics, it is also used as a polymerisation inhibitor, particularly during the purification of styrene.
It is a promising model substance to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.[6]
^Ciriminna, Rosaria; Pagliaro, Mario (15 January 2010). "Industrial Oxidations with Organocatalyst TEMPO and Its Derivatives". Organic Process Research & Development. 14 (1): 245–251. doi:10.1021/op900059x.