title: Conjugated and cross-conjugated mesomeric betaines. Correlation of electroreduction with structure and physiological activity.
abstract: Electroreduction studies were performed on several cross-conjugated mesomeric betaines containing the fused pyrazolium (2) and fused imidazolium (3) ring systems. Studies at acidic pH were of principal interest. Substituent effects for 2 were in line with prior findings, and reduction potentials were comparatively negative (-0.96 to -1.34 V). Reduction potentials fit the modified Hammett equation. Compound 3 was more readily reduced (-0.88 V). The related psi-oxatriazoles (6) gave values in the range of -0.85 to -1.22 V. The electrochemical characteristics are compared with those of the mesoionic sydnones (4) and sydnoneimines (5). These mesoionic compounds were generally reduced at more positive potentials than 2 and 3. A relationship between electroreduction and physiological activity is proposed. The overall results are in keeping with the hypothesis of widespread participation of iminium-type species in biological systems.
mesh_terms: D004563:Electrochemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000378:metabolism*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D011720:Pyrazoles