A scavenger in
chemistry is a
chemical substance added to a mixture in order to remove or de-activate impurities and unwanted reaction products, for example oxygen, to make sure that they will not cause any unfavorable reactions. Their use is wide-ranged:
Oxygen scavengers or
oxygen absorbers are small sachets or
self adhesive labels that are placed inside
modified atmosphere packs to help extend product life (notably cooked meats) and help improve product appearance. They work by absorbing any oxygen left in the pack by oxidation of the
iron powder contained in the sachet/label.[1]
Glutathione in the body scavenges oxidizing free radicals and peroxides and as a thiol nucleophile, attacks dangerous
alkylatingelectrophiles, which may be exogenous toxins or produced in the course of metabolism (e.g.
NAPQI from
paracetamol).