Abstract

Reactivity of two new C4-indolyl substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) toward superoxide anion (O2-) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is reported. Reactivity was followed by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the final products of the reaction. C4 indolyl-substituted-1,4-DHPs reacted toward O2O at significant rates, according to the calculated kinetic rate constants. Results are compared with 4-phenyl-DHP and the commercial 1,4-DHPs, nimodipine, nisoldipine, and amlodipine. Indolyl-substituted 1,4-DHPs were more reactive than the commercial derivatives. The direct participation of proton of the 1-position of the secondary amine in the quenching of O 2 was demonstrated. © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.