Electrochemical Oxidation of Probucol in Anhydrous Acetonitrile

Abstract

Electrochemical oxidation of probucol in anhydrous acetonitrile was studied as a model of the metabolic oxidation of the substance. The study was performed by DC voltammetry, potentiostatic coulometry, cyclic voltammetry and preparative electrolysis. Probucol gives a single anodic wave E1/2 = 0.92 V. Cyclic voltammetry showes that its electrooxidation proceeds by formation of probucol radical. 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(isopropylsulfanyl)phenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-sulfanylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were isolated as products of electrochemical oxidation.