Ferrocene Derivates: Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity and Structure-Activity Relationships

The hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging activity of ten ferrocene derivates (FcDs) were evaluated by chemiluminescence assay. The electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry method. In addition, the relationship between substituent structure and ·OH scavenging activity was discussed. The results indicated that the ·OH scavenging activity was influenced by the conjugative effect, conductive effect and volume of substituents. The FcDs with conjugative or electronwithdrawing substituents, have more positive E1/2 and weaker ·OH scavenging activity, while the FcDs with electron-donating substituents, have more negative E1/2 and stronger ·OH scavenging activity.