The incoming electrophile is hindered by the amide group if attack occurs at the ortho position. There is significantly less hindrance to electrophilic attack at the para position. Thus, steric effects favor para attack over ortho attack. That nitric oxide is a biological signal molecule is surprising because of its reactivity. Briefly but clearly explain why nitric oxide is a reactive molecule.
Nitric oxide is reactive because the nitrogen atom has an unpaired electron and an open octet.
It is a free radical. Briefly describe how the reaction of one hydroxyl radical could result in damage to many other molecules in the body. Reaction of the linoleic ester with hydroxyl radical would yield a new radical. This new radical could react with another biomolecule, perhaps another linoleic ester. This reaction product would have a different structure than linoleic acid by itself, and perhaps not be able to perform the same role as the unreacted linoleic acid.