Antioxidant activity and redox properties of cis-2,4,5-tris(hydroxyaryl)imidazolines

New effective antioxidants of cis-2,4,5-tris(hydroxyaryl)imidazoline type were assembled from aromatic aldehydes and ammonia. Their antioxidant activity was measured against hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical anion in physiological media, and oxidation potentials were measured by cyclic voltammetry. The lead compound bearing 3,4,5-hydroxyphenyl moieties showed activity 3.5 times higher compared to Trolox.