Nitrones are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a nitrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom and a carbon atom. They are typically formed by the reaction of aldehydes or ketones with hydroxylamine or its derivatives. Nitrones are known for their stability and can participate in various chemical reactions, making them useful in organic synthesis. These compounds are often utilized in the field of medicinal chemistry and materials science due to their ability to act as intermediates in the formation of other complex molecules. Additionally, nitrones can serve as spin traps in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies, helping to detect free radicals in biological systems.