Hydroxy(thio)pyrone and hydroxy(thio)pyridinone iron chelators: Physico-chemical properties and anti-oxidant activity

Abstract The O,S -donor analogues of maltol and deferiprone (DMHP), respectively, thiomaltol and DMHTP, have been investigated in solution for their iron-complexation ability, as well as their electrochemical behaviors, in the presence and absence of iron, aimed at the rationalization of their anti-oxidant activity, particularly, as hydroxyl radical scavengers and inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. The results were compared with those of the O,O -donor compounds and revealed that all the compounds are good iron chelators (pFe = 14.1–20.2), but the O,S -donor ligands being somewhat weaker than the corresponding oxo-analogues. Also all the ligands appear to be able to prevent the redox cycling of iron, a relevant anti-oxidant activity, which seems to be primary due to their high capacity to form iron complexes which are not effective in promoting free radical reactions. This is a significant feature for the development of leading analogues as drug candidates with co-adjuvant roles in oxidative-stress dependent pathologies.