The electrochemical oxidation of Riluzole, a neuroprotective drug: comparison with the reaction with oxygen derived radicals

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of Riluzole, a neuroprotective drug, is investigated. It leads to the formation of an azo dimer through a short lived radical cation. The same dimer is obtained by reaction with dioxygen in the presence of copper or in the presence of superoxide ion. The reaction with electrochemically generated hydroxyl radicals provides two hydroxylated derivatives which have been previously identified as metabolites of Riluzole.