The dibenzo [a] pyrenes (DB [a] Ps) are carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found as environmental pollutants. DB [a, l] P is the most potent carcinogenic PAH ever tested. To investigate the bioactivation of DB [a] Ps by one-electron oxidation, oxidation of DB [a, e] P, DB [a, h] P, DB [a, i] P, DB [a, l] P, and anthanthrene with Mn (OAcI3 was conducted and compared to that of benzo [a] pyrene (B [a] P). All five DB [a] Ps produced ...