Azobenzene derivatives of 3,3'-bis(indolyl)methanes: Novel electroactive materials with antioxidant activities.

A practical and efficient synthesis of new electroactive azobenzene derivatives of bis(indolyl)methanes has been achieved via the Friedel-Crafts reaction of indole with 5-arylazosalicylaldehydes using propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P®) as an activating agent. This protocol is distinguished by its operational simplicity, high product yields, short reaction time, good functional group tolerance, and environmental friendliness. The antioxidant properties of the synthesized compounds were explored by examining their radical scavenging effect on DPPH radicals and their electrochemical redox behavior was assessed using cyclic voltammetry studies. [Display omitted] • This is the first series of azobenzene derivatives of bis(indolyl)methanes. • Synthesized electroactive compounds have high DPPH radical scavenging activity. • Cyclic voltammetry was used to correlate the redox potential with antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]