Isatogens. Part VII. Polarographic reduction of isatogens

Abstract

The polarographic reduction of a number of isatogens has been studied. The results show that the reduction potentials of isatogens are of the same order as those of 1,4-quinones which supports the suggestion by earlier workers that isatogens are quinonoid compounds. The reduction of isatogens is shown to be favoured by electron-with-drawing substituents. Isatogens may exert their biological action by oxidising molecules which are present in natural redox systems. A reduction scheme analogous to that for the related nitrone system is suggested.