2,6-Diisopropylphenol, a strongly hydrophobic substituted phenol, is a new intravenous anaesthetic. The antioxidant properties of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (Propofol) have been examined. It plays the role of an antioxidant by reacting with free radicals to form a phenoxyl radical, a property associated with all phenol-based free radical scavengers. 2,6-diisopropylphenol is an effective intravenous hypnotic agent, widely used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia and for sedation in the intensive care unit. It is useful for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.