The present invention describes polymers containing 1,2-dithiolanes capable of acting as scavengers of free radicals, metals and reactive oxygen species. Also described are methods of synthesizing the antioxidant 1,2-dithiolane derivatives and polymerization thereof to produce biodegradable antioxidant polymers. The antioxidant polymers of the present invention may be used to treat diseases or conditions caused by oxidative stress and other free radical mediated conditions. The antioxidant polymers may also be used for the preparation of antioxidant particulate delivery devices of therapeutic agents.
