New isatin derivatives with antioxidant activity.

The reaction between isatin and 2,5-dimethoxyaniline is described. The main product was identified as 3,3-bis(4-amino-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one. The antioxidant activity of the compounds isolated was evaluated with two methods. Three published antitumor E-3-(2-chloro-3-indolylmethylene)1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones entered the same tests to search whether they are endowed with antioxidant activity too. 3,3-Bis(4-amino-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one and the three antitumor agents showed a good chemical antioxidant activity.