Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT studies and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine schiff bases

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules19068414

Schiff bases of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine 1-25 were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant activity. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the characterizations of compounds 13, 15 and 16 were supported by crystal X-ray determinations and their geometrical parameters were compared with theoretical DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal data of two non-crystalline compounds 8 and 18 were theoretically calculated and compared with the practical values of compounds 13, 15, 16 and found a good agreement. The compounds showed good DPPH scavenging activity ranging from 10.12 to 84.34 iM where compounds 1-4 and 6 showed stronger activity than the standard n-propyl gallate. For the superoxide anion radical assay, compounds 1-3 showed better activity than the standard.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules19068414

Molecules 2014, 19, 8414-8433; doi:10.3390/molecules19068414
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DFT Studies and Evaluation of the
Antioxidant Activity of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff Bases
Ahmad Nazif Aziz 1,2, Muhammad Taha 1,3,*, Nor Hadiani Ismail 1,3, El Hassane Anouar 1,
Sammer Yousuf 4, Waqas Jamil 5, Khalijah Awang 6, Norizan Ahmat 3, Khalid M. Khan 4 and
Syed Muhammad Kashif 5
1
Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery, Universiti Teknologi MARA,
42300 Puncak Alam Campus, Malaysia; E-Mails: nazif_umt@yahoo.com (A.N.A.);
norhadiani@puncakalam.uitm.edu.my (N.H.I.), anouarelhassane@yahoo.fr (E.H.A.)
2
School of Fundamental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
3
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia;
E-Mail: noriz118@salam.uitm.edu.my
4
H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences,
University of Karachi, 75270 Karachi, Pakistan; E-Mails: dr.sammer.yousuf@gmail.com (S.Y.);
khalid.khan@iccs.edu (K.M.K.)
5
Institute of Advance Research Studies in Chemical Sciences, University of Sindh Jamshoro, Hyderabad
76080, Pakistan; E-Mails: waqas143kh@yahoo.com (W.J.); hope_cancer@yahoo.com (S.M.K.)
6
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
E-Mail: khalijah@um.edu.my
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: taha_hej@yahoo.com or
muhamm9000@puncakalam.uitm.edu.my; Tel.: +60-332-584-761; Fax: +60-332-584-770.
Received: 8 May 2014; in revised form: 4 June 2014 / Accepted: 12 June 2014 /
Published: 19 June 2014
Abstract: Schiff bases of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine 1–25 were synthesized and
evaluated for their antioxidant activity. All the synthesized compounds were characterized
by various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the characterizations of compounds 13,
15 and 16 were supported by crystal X-ray determinations and their geometrical parameters
were compared with theoretical DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory.
Furthermore, the X-ray crystal data of two non-crystalline compounds 8 and 18 were
theoretically calculated and compared with the practical values of compounds 13, 15, 16
and found a good agreement. The compounds showed good DPPH scavenging activity
ranging from 10.12 to 84.34 μM where compounds 1–4 and 6 showed stronger activity

Molecules 2014, 19
than the standard n-propyl gallate. For the superoxide anion radical assay, compounds 1–3
8415
showed better activity than the standard.
Keywords: 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff bases; crystal structure; DFT calculation;
antioxidant activity
1. Introduction
Schiff bases are a class of compounds with unique biological [1], analytical and industrial properties [2].
A number of Schiff bases have been reported to possess antiglycation [3–6], antioxidant [7–10],
antileishmanial [11], antifungal [12], anticancer [13], anticonvulscent [14], analgesic [15],
antituberclotic [16], and diuretic [17] activities. Heterocyclic Schiff bases with various activities e.g.,
antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer have also been reported [18–20]. The active pharmacophore
(-N=CH-) of Schiff bases plays a major role in these significant biological activities. However, the
attached neighbouring groups may also affect the activity [21]. Biological activities of Schiff bases
metal complexes have also been reported [22,23]. The copper (II) complexes of Schiff bases showed
antitumor activity and the lanthanide complexes showed significant antioxidant activity [24–28].
Antioxidants can prevent injury to vessel membranes aiding appropriate blood circulation and are
useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. They provide protection against cancer-causing
radicals and DNA damages [29]. The action of antioxidants is credited to their ability to convert free
radicals to stable molecules. Antioxidants therefore, guard cells from the oxidative damage which leads to
aging and diseases [30–32]. The free radicals were also reported to play a role in the pathology of
arteriosclerosis, malaria and rheumatoid arthritis [33,34].
As for polyphenolic compounds, the phenolic Schiff bases (ArOH) scavenge free radicals (R•) by
their ability to donate hydrogen atoms from hydroxyl groups through one of the following
mechanisms:
(i) Proton Coupled-Electron Transfer (PC-ET) versus Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)
ArOH + R• → ArO• + RH
In this mechanism, the electron and proton are transferred from the active phenolic group to the free
radical in a single step. This type of reactions can be subdivided into two distinct subclasses, hydrogen
atom transfer (HAT) and proton coupled electron transfer (PC-ET) [35–38]. In HAT, the proton and
electron are transferred together, as a hydrogen atom, while in PC-ET mechanism, the proton and
electron are transferred between different sets of orbitals [35].
(ii) Electron Transfer-Proton Transfer (ET-PT)
ArOH + R• →ArOH+•+ R− → ArO• + RH
The ET-PT mechanism consists of two steps. In the first step, an electron transfer (ET) from the
phenolic compound to the free radical. In the second step, a heterolytic O-H bond dissociation of the
radical cation (ArOH+•) leads to the formation of a phenoxyl radical (ArOH•).

Molecules 2014, 19
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(iii) Sequential Proton Loss Electron Transfer (SPLET)
ArOH → ArO− + H+
ArO− + R• → ArO• + R−
R− + H+ → RH
The above mechanism consists of three steps. In the first step, a heterolytic bond dissociation of a
phenolic hydroxyl group leads to the formation of a phenoxyl anion and the release of a proton. In the
second step, an electron transfer from the phenoxyl anion to the free radical leads to the formation of a
phenoxyl radical and an anion (R−). In the end, the protonation of R− leads to the formation of RH.
This mechanism is strongly favored under alkaline conditions (e.g., high pH), which may help in the
proton of the first step [39,40].
(iv) Adduct formation (AF)
ArOH + R• → [ArOH-R]• → stable adducts
The AF mechanism is more specific and is observed between (a) carbon centered radicals and
double bonds; or (b) hydroxyl radicals and aromatic rings. Numerous side reactions may occur that
lead to stable adducts from [ArOH-R]•.
In continuation of our research on the synthesis of bioactive small molecules [41–43], we
synthesized a series of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff bases (Scheme 1) and evaluated their
antioxidant potential in the search of the potential antioxidant leads.
Scheme 1. Synthesis of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff bases.
1: R3' = R4' = R5' = OH
2: R2' = R4' = R6' = OH
3: R2' = R5' = OH
4: R3' = R4' = OH
5: R2' = R4' = OH
6: R2' = R3' = OH
7: R3' = R5' = OH
9: R4' = OH
10: R2' = OH
11: R3' = OH, R4' = OCH3
12: R3' = Br, R4' = OH
13: R2' = OH, R5' = OCH3
14: R2' = OH, R4' = OCH3
15: R3' = OH
17: R4' = OCH3
18: R3' = OCH3
19: R2' = Cl
20: R3' = Br, R4' = F
21: R2' = NO2, R4' = COOCH3
22: R4' = CH3
23: R4' = F
8: R3' = OCH3, R4' = OH
16: R3' = OCH3, R5' = OCH3
24: R4' = NO2
25: 4-Pyridine

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2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
The 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff bases were prepared by condensing 3,4-dimethoxy-
benzenamine with several aromatic aldehydes by refluxing in ethanol for 3 to 4 h (Scheme 1). The
crude products were further recrystallized from methanol and in most of the cases needle-like crystals
were obtained (yields 81%–92%). The structural confirmation of the dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff
1
bases was done by various spectroscopic techniques including H-NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy.
All synthetic compounds were established as having E configuration [44–46]. The compounds 8, 9, 10,
15, 22, 24 and 25 are known [47–50] but compound 13 has only a CAS registry number 1002275–90–2
with no reference. Compounds 1–7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18–21, 23 are new.
2.2. Antioxidant Activities
2.2.1. DPPH Scavenging Activity
The synthesized compounds 1–25 showed activity in the range of 10.12–84.34 μM (Table 1).
Compound 1 (IC50 = 10.12 ± 0.54 μM) showed highest activity, three times more active than the
standard (IC50 = 30.30 ± 0.2 μM). This is due to the ortho-trihydroxyl group which is known to show
very good activity [51,52]. Compound 2 is a meta-trihydroxyl analogue but showed slightly less
activity than compound 1. This may be due to the ortho-trihydroxyl groups of compound 1 which is
similar to the catecholic moeity known to exhibit good antioxidant activities [53–56].
Table 1. In vitro DPPH activity and % yield of compounds 1–25.
N° Yield (%) IC50 (μM ± SEM a)
N°
Yield (%)
IC50 (μM ± SEM a)
42.80 ± 2.80
NA b
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
84
82
78
84
85
86
81
83
92
10.12 ± 0.54
15.6 ± 0.06
19.2 ± 0.70
28.14 ± 0.86
30.45 ± 0.82
28.10 ± 1.30
33.02 ± 1.20
34.14 ± 1.50
40.01 ± 1.80
NA b
14
87
82
82
84
83
85
87
88
-
15
16
NA b
17
NA b
18
NA b
19
NA b
20
NA b
21
NA b
22
NA b
10 88
11 90
12 87
13 90
23
90
84
92
-
NA b
50.01 ± 2.20
38.16 ± 2.10
NA b
24
NA b
25
NA b
n-propyl gallate c
30.30 ± 0.2
SEM a is the standard error of the mean, NA b = Not active, n-propyl gallate c was the standard drug for the DPPH assays.
Incidently, compounds 1 and 2 which have an additional hydroxyl group as compared to
compounds 4 and 6, showed stronger antioxidant activities than the latter two compounds. Among the
five dihydroxyl analogues, compound 3, 4 and 6 showed better activity than standard. The activity of
compound 3 is due to the 2', 5' positions of the dihydroxyl groups, favorable for stabilization of the

Molecules 2014, 19
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free radical. The catecholic moeity in compounds 4 and 6 is well known structural feature for good
activity [53–56]. Other meta-dihydroxyl analogues 5 and 7 also showed very close activity as
compared to the standard. Compound 8 showed good activity due to adjacent 3-methoxyl and
4-hydroxyl positions. However, its other analogue 11 with reversed arrangement showed moderate activity.
For the mono-hydroxyl series, compound 9 having hydroxyl at 4' position showed good activity
while its other analogues 10 and 15 showed no activity, due to the lack of free radical stabilizing
capability. The presence of a bromo substituent further increases the capability to stabilize radicals as
illustrated by compound 12. meta-arranged methoxyl and hydroxyl groups contributed to the good
activity of compound 14. The remaining compounds do not possess functional groups to help stabilize
free radicals and are therefore inactive.
2.2.2. Superoxide Scavenging Activity
Compounds 1, 2 and 3 showed better activity than the standard drug n-propylgallate (Table 2).
Compound 4 showed good activity. Compounds 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 showed moderate activities, while
compound 14, 20 and 21 showed weak activities. The good activity of compounds 1–3 may be due to more
stabilizing potential of these compounds to stabilize free radicals generated during bioassay. DPPH
scavenging activity and superoxide scavenging activity mainly depend on the hydroxyl position as well
as number of hydroxyl groups present in the molecule [57,58].
Table 2. In vitro superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of compounds 1–25.
Comp. No.
IC50 (μM ± SEM a)
85.03 ± 1.20
90.60 ± 1.50
98.60 ± 1.70
145 ± 2.1
Comp. No
IC50 (μM ± SEM a)
260.3 ± 6.4
NA b
1
14
2
15
3
16
NA b
4
17
NA b
5
170.2 ± 3.2
175.0 ± 3.5
180.1 ± 3.8
190.1 ± 3.9
208.9 ± 5.4
NA b
18
NA b
6
19
NA b
7
20
315.1 ± 8.4
320.1 ± 6.3
NA b
8
21
9
22
10
11
12
23
NA b
NA b
24
NA b
210.1 ± 4.4
NA b
25
NA b
13
n-propyl gallate c
106.34 ± 1.6
SEM is the standard error of the mean, NA b = Not active, n-propyl gallate was the standard drug for the
a
c
superoxide anionradical scavenging assays.
2.3. X-ray Crystallography Studies
2.3.1. Compound 13
The structure of compound 13 is composed of a dimethoxybenzene moiety link with
methoxyphenol moiety via azomethin bridge which adopts an E configuration (Figure 1). The
dimethoxy-substituted planar benzene moiety (C1-C6) is oriented at a dihedral angle of 29.33(9)° with

Molecules 2014, 19
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respect to the methoxy-substituted planar phenol moiety (C1'–C6') with standard deviation of
0.016(2)° for C2' atom from root mean square plane. In the crystal lattice (Figure 2), molecules are
linked via C–H···O hydrogen bonding and form three dimensional consolidated network of mirror
imaged sets running along the b axis where each set contains four molecule.
Figure 1. X-ray and optimized structures of compounds 13, 15 and 16.
Figure 2. Crystal packing diagram for compounds 13, 15 and 16.
13
15

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Figure 2. Cont.
16
Crystallographic data of compound 13 (CCDC 980015), can be obtained from Cambridge
Crystallographic Data Center without any cost. Crystal and experimental data of compound 13 are
presented in Table 3 and the hydrogen bonding data in Table 4.
Table 3. The crystal X-ray and experimental data of compounds 13, 15 and 16.
Compound 13
C16H17NO4
287.31
273(2)K
0.71073 Å
Orthorhombic
Pna2(1)
9.7203(7) Å
30.576(2) Å
4.8328(3) Å
90°
Compound 15
C15H15NO3
257.28
Compound 16
C17H19NO4
301.33
Empirical formula
Formula weight
Temperature
Wavelength
Crystal system
Space group
a
273(2)K
273(2)K
0.71073 Å
Orthorhombic
P2(1)2(1)2(1)
5.3625(2)Å
11.1755(5) Å
21.9532(10)Å
90°
0.71073 Å
Monoclinic
P2(1)/c
11.1898(4) Å
17.5567(6) Å
8.1013(3) Å
90°
b
c
α
β
90°
90°
90°
90°
98.0720(10)°
90°
γ
Volume
1436.36(17)A3
4
1315.63(10)A3
4
1575.78(10) A3
4
Z
Calculated density
Absorption coefficient
F(000)
1.329 mg/m3
0.096 mm−1
608
1.299 mg/m3
0.091 mm−1
544
1.270 mg/m3
0.091 mm−1
640
Crystal size
θ range
Reflections Collected
Reflections Unique
(Rint)
0.67 × 0.16 × 0.14 mm 0.77 × 0.49 × 0.45 mm 0.46 × 0.44 × 0.42 mm
1.33 to 25.50 °
8206
1.86 to 25.50°
7839
1.84 to 25.50
9213
2629
2426
2934
0.0216
0.0165
0.0148
R1 with I > 2σ(I)
R2 with I > 2σ(I)
R1 for all data
R2 for all data
Goodness of fit
max/min ρ eA°−3
CCDC number
0.0347
0.0808
0.0412
0.0855
1.059
0.107 and −0.129
CCDC 980015
0.0369
0.1066
0.0386
0.1086
1.091
0.349 and −0.295
CCDC 980014
0.0352
0.0967
0.0399
0.1012
1.046
0.140 and −0.141
CCDC 980016

Molecules 2014, 19
8421
Table 4. Hydrogen bonding data for compound 13.
D
H
A
D-H
H...A
1.78(3)
2.53
D...A
D-H…A
149(2)
143
O1'
C5
H1A'
H5A
N7
O2 a
0.94(3)
2.628(2)
3.319(2)
0.93
Symmetry codes: a 1/2+x,1/2-y,z.
2.3.2. Compound 15
Structurally, compound 15 is similar to compound 13 with the difference that the planar phenyl ring
(C1'-C6') has only one hydroxyl group at the C3' position. The dihedral angle between the two planar
benzene ring (C1'-C6' and C1-C6) was found to be 44.35(7)° with standard deviation of 0.009(2)° for
C5 atom from root mean square plane.
The molecule does not possess any intramolecular interactions in the crystal lattice, molecules are
packed in a series and form a consolidated network running along c-axis, joining through
intermolecular O1---H1A'...N7, C6---H6'A...O2, C5---H5A...O1 hydrogen bonds. Crystallographic
data of compound 15 (CCDC 980014), can be obtained from Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center
without any cost. Crystal and experimental data of compound 15 presented in Table 3 and hydrogen
bonding data in Table 5.
Table 5. Hydrogen bonding data for compound 15.
D
H
A
D-H
H...A
1.891(18)
2.58
D...A
D-H…A
158.1(16)
130
O1'
C6'
C5
H1A'
H6'A
H5A
N7 a
O2 b
O1 c
0.939(18)
0.93
2.7841(16)
3.2572(17)
3.1655(18)
0.93
2.57
123
Symmetry codes: a 1/2+x,1/2-y,-z ; b 1-x,1/2+y,1/2-z; c -3/2+x,1/2-y,-z.
2.3.3. Compound 16
Compound 16 is structurally similar to Compound 13 and Compound 15 with the only difference
that all four substituents on the aromatic skeleton are methoxyl groups. In this molecule the two
benzene rings and the azomethine group are practically coplanar and the molecule adopts an E
configuration about the C8-N7 bond. The dihedral angle between the two planar benzene rings (C1'-C6'
and C1-C6) was found to be 40.56(6)° with standard deviation of −0.019(1)° for C1 atom from root
mean square plane. All the bond distances are within normal range comparable to those of similar
compounds. No chemical intramolecular interaction was observed. However in the crystal structure,
molecules were linked via C2-H2'A...O1 and C3-H3A...O1 intermolecular interactions to form R2 2 (20)
ring motive running along c-axis.
The crystallographic data of compound 16 (CCDC 980016), can be obtained from Cambridge
Crystallographic Data Center. Crystal and experimental data of compound 16 presented in Table 3 and
hydrogen bonding data in Table 6.

Molecules 2014, 19
8422
Table 6. Hydrogen bonding data for compound 16.
D
C2
C3
H
H2’A
H3A
A
D-H
0.93
0.93
H...A
2.57
2.52
D...A
3.4945(16)
3.4418(16)
D-H…A
176
170
O1 a.
O1 b
Symmetry codes: a 1-x,-y,2-z; b x,1/2-y,-1/2+z.
2.4. DFT Calculations
Crystal structures of compounds 13, 15 and 16 were compared to their optimized minima (Figure 3).
The initial geometrical structures were obtained from the molden files of the X-ray solved structures.
The optimization has been carried out at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory by using Gaussian
09 package [7].
Figure 3. Optimized structures of compounds 1, 2, 3, 8 and 18.
1
3
2
8
18
The minima of the optimized structures were confirmed by the absence of imaginary frequencies.
The experimental and calculated bond lengths, bond and dihedral angles of the compounds are
presented in Table 7.

Molecules 2014, 19
8423
Table 7. The calculated and experimental values of the bond lengths, bond angles and
torsion angles of compounds 13, 15, and 16.
13
15
16
Calculated
Cal Exp
Cal Exp
Cal
Exp
1
2
3
8
18
Bond lengths (Å)
C1-N7
1.41 1.413
1.29 1.276
1.45 1.452
1.34 1.358
1.40 1.4243 1.41
1.28 1.2673 1.28
1.47 1.4680 1.47
1.4181
1.2677
1.4650
-
1.40 1.41
1.28 1.29
1.47 1.44
1.41 1.40 1.41
1.29 1.27 1.28
1.45 1.46 1.47
N7-C8
C8-C1'
C2'-O2'
-
-
-
-
1.37
-
1.35
-
-
C3'-O3'
1.37
-
-
-
1.37 1.3601 1.36
1.3673
-
1.36
-
1.37 1.36
C5'-O4'
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.37 1.36
-
1.36
-
-
-
C5'-O5'
1.37 1.382
1.37
-
1.3694
-
1.38
-
-
1.37
-
-
-
C6'-O6'
-
-
1.34
Bond angles (°)
C2-C1-N7
C1-N7-C8
N7-C8-C1’
Torsion angles (°)
C2-C1-N7-C8
C1-N7-C8-C1'
N7-C8-C1'-C2’
125 123.31 126 122.15 126
124 121.07 123 119.72 123
122 122.43 122 123.96 123
122.79
118.20
124.02
123
121
123
123
122
122
123 123
122 120
122 123
123
121
123
0
−155.52
0
−43.09
0
34.70
37
32
34
36
30
−180 −175.32 −180 174.26 −180 −179.25 −177 −177 −177 −177 −177
−1.1 −174.83
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
1
The experimental bond lengths and bond angles z-matrix coordinates are well reproduced
theoretically. On the other hand, the dihedral angles are well reproduced, except for the dihedral angle
between the 3,4-dimethoxybenzenyl and the azo group where a slight deviation was observed between
the crystal structure compared to the optimized conformation. The hydrogen bonding between 2'-OH
group and the azo group in Compound 13 is well reproduced theoretically, with a difference of 0.04 Å
(Figure 1). In order to generalize the comparison between structural X-ray and calculated results, the
optimized structures of compounds 1, 2, 3, 8 and 18 were obtained at the same level of theory (Table 7
and Figure 3). The structural parameters (bond, angles, and torsion angles) for the optimized structures
of 1, 2, 3, 8 and 18 are very similar to the optimized and X-ray parameters of 13, 15 and 16.
3. Experimental
3.1. General Information
NMR experiments were performed in DMSO-d6 on a Bruker Ultra Shield 500 MHz FT NMR
(Wissembourg, Switzerland). CHN analysis was performed on a Carlo Erba Strumentazione-Mod-1106
(Milan, Italy). Electron impact mass spectra (EI-MS) were recorded on a Finnigan MAT-311A
instrument (Bremen, Germany). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on pre-coated silica
gel aluminum plates (Kieselgel 60, 254, E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). Chromatograms were visualized
by UV at 254 and 365 nm.

Molecules 2014, 19
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3.2. DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) Free Radical Scavenging Activity
The free radical scavenging activity was measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
assay using literature protocols. The reaction mixture contained test sample (5 μL, 1 mM in DMSO)
and DPPH (Sigma, 95 μL, 300 μM) in ethanol. The reaction mixture was taken into a 96-well
microtiter plate and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min. The absorbance was measured at 515 nm using
microtitre plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Percent radical scavenging activity
was determined in comparison with DMSO containing control (Table 1). IC50 values represent the
concentration of compounds able to scavenge 50% of DPPH radicals. Propyl gallate was used as
positive control. All chemicals used were of analytical grade (Sigma, Ronkonkoma, NY, USA).
3.3. In Vitro Assay for Superoxide Anion Radical Scavenging Activity
The superoxide producing system was set up by mixing phenazinemethosulfate (PMS), NADH, and
oxygen (air), and the production of superoxide was estimated by the nitroblue tetrazolium method.
Measurement of superoxide radical scavenging activity was carried out on the basis of the method
described by the modified method used by Ferda. In aerobic reaction mixtures containing NADH,
phenazine methosulphate and nitro blue tetrazolium, PMS is reduced by NADH and then gave rise to
−
−
O2 , which in turn reduced NBT. On the basis of this PMS has frequently been used to mediate O2 .
The reaction mixture comprised 100 µΜ β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form
(NADH, 40 µL), 80 µM of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT, 40 µL), 8 µM phenazine methosulphate
(PMS, 20 µL), 1 mM sample (10 µL), and 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 90 µL). The reagents were
prepared in buffer and sample in DMSO. The reaction was performed in 96-well microtitre plate at
room temperature and absorbance was measured at 560 nm. The formation of superoxide was
monitored by measuring the formation of water soluble blue formosan dye. A lower absorbance of
reaction mixture indicated a higher scavenging activity of the sample. Percent radical scavenging
activity (% RSA) by samples was determined in comparison with a control using the following equation:
%RSA = 100 − {(OD test compound/OD control) × 100
3.4. General Procedure for the Synthesis 3,4-Dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff Bases
The 3,4-dimethoxyanaline Schiff bases were synthesized by refluxing in ethanol (10 mL) for 3 h
3,4-dimethoxyanaline (2 mmol) and each pure aryl aldehyde (2 mmol). The progress of the reaction
was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction, the solvent was evaporated under vacuum to
afford crude products which were further recrystallized from methanol to give needle-like pure
products in good to excellent yields.
1
(E)-5-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,2,3-triol (1). H-NMR: δ 11.05 (s, 2H, OH),
9.61 (s, 1H, OH), 8.60 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.05 (s, 2H), 6.95 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.91 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz),
6.82 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 160.1, 150.1,
148.1, 146.3, 146.2, 146.2, 138.1, 134.2, 119.4, 114.2, 109.2, 108.8, 108.8, 56.3, 56.3; Anal. Calcd for
C15H15NO5, C = 62.28, H = 5.23, N = 4.84 Found C = 62.29, H = 5.22, N = 4.85 EI MS m/z (% rel.
abund.): 289 (M+, 10), 258 (12), 138 (20), 137 (100).

Molecules 2014, 19
8425
1
(E)-2-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol (2). H-NMR: δ 10.65 (s, 2H, OH),
9.23 (s, 1H, OH), 8.65 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.15 (s, 2H), 6.94 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.90 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz),
6.81 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 163.7, 163.7,
163.4, 160.1, 146.4, 150.2, 148.1, 119.4, 114.3, 109.2, 106.1, 96.2, 96.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for
C15H15NO5, C = 62.28, H = 5.23, N = 4.84, Found C = 62.28, H = 5.23, N = 4.84; EI MS m/z (% rel.
abund.): 289 (M+, 13), 258 (11), 138 (17), 137 (100).
1
(E)-2-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,4-diol (3). H-NMR: δ 12.49 (s, 1H, OH),
10.18 (s, 1H, OH), 9.19 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.11 (d, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.04 (s, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz),
6.97 (d, 1H, J3/2 = 8.0 Hz), 6.86 (d, 1H, J = 8.0, Hz), 6.78 (s, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H,
13
OCH3); C-NMR: δ 160.0, 153.6, 151.0, 150.1, 148.7, 146.3, 120.3, 119.4, 119.5, 118.4, 116.1, 114.2,
109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO4, C = 65.92, H = 5.53, N = 5.13, Found C = 65.91, H = 5.54,
N = 5.12; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 273 (M+, 60), 241 (8), 137 (100), 122 (20), 109 (30).
(E)-4-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (4). 1H-NMR: δ 12.20(s, 1H, OH), 10.30
(s, 1H, OH), 8.40 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.10 (d, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.06 (s, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz),
6.88 (d, 1H, J3/2 = 8.0 Hz), 6.82 (d, 1H, J = 8.0, Hz), 6.74 (s, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.79 (s, 3H,
OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 149.4, 146.2, 117.1, 116.1, 131.1, 123.1, 160.2, 146.4, 109.1, 114.2, 119.1, 148.1,
150.0, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO4, C = 65.92, H = 5.53, N = 5.13, Found C = 65.90, H = 5.55,
N = 5.11; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 273 (M+, 42), 241 (12), 137 (100), 122 (15), 109 (28).
1
(E)-4-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,3-diol (5). H-NMR: δ 13.71 (s, 1H, OH),
10.18 (s, 1H, OH), 8.80 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.40 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.05 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.99 (d,
1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 6.92 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 6.40 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 6.28 (d, 1H,
13
J = 2.0 Hz),3.82 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 162.3, 162.1, 160.1, 150.2, 148.1,
146.4, 133.6, 119.4, 114.2, 113.0, 109.1, 108.5, 103.5, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO4,
C = 65.92, H = 5.53, N = 5.13 Found C = 65.93, H = 5.55, N = 5.12; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 273
(M+, 70), 241 (17), 137 (100), 122 (22), 109 (38).
(E)-3-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (6). 1H-NMR: δ 13.42 (s, 1H, OH), 9.11
(s, 1H, OH), 8.93 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.15 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.10 (s, 1H),
7.07 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.76 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 7.65 (t, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 160.1, 151.5, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 146.0, 124.6, 122.7, 119.8,
119.6, 119.5, 114.2, 109.1, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO4, C = 65.92, H = 5.53, N = 5.13,
Found C = 65.91, H = 5.54, N = 5.12; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 273 (M+, 78), 241 (16), 137 (100),
122 (11).
1
(E)-5-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,3-diol (7). H-NMR: δ 9.47 (s, 2H, 2×OH),
8.45 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.01 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.84 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.65 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz),
6.40 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.06 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3);
13C-NMR: δ 160.1, 160.1, 160.0, 150.1, 148.1, 146.4, 141.3, 119.5, 114.3, 109.1, 107.4, 107.4, 105.8,
56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO4, C = 65.92, H = 5.53, N = 5.13, Found C = 65.92, H = 5.54,
N = 5.11; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 273 (M+, 50), 241 (11), 137 (100), 122 (18).

Molecules 2014, 19
8426
1
(E)-4-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-2-methoxyphenol (8). H-NMR: δ 9.65 (s, 1H, OH), 8.49
(s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.51 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.32 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 6.96 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz),
6.93 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.89 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.06 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.81 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 160.1, 151.1, 150.1, 149.1, 148.2, 146.3,
130.8, 122.8, 119.5, 117.1, 114.2, 112.0, 109.1, 56.1, 56.1, 55.9; Anal. Calcd for C16H17NO4,
C = 66.89, H = 5.96, N = 4.88, Found C = 65.90, H = 5.95, N = 4.90; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 287
(M+, 100), 255 (13), 137 (84), 122 (25).
1
(E)-4-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (9). H-NMR: δ 10.04 (s, 1H, OH), 8.50 (s, 1H,
N=CH-Ar), 7.77 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.96 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.92 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.88 (d, 2H,
J = 8.0 Hz), 6.81 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ
160.5, 160.0, 150.0, 148.1, 146.4, 130.4, 130.4, 129.2, 119.4, 116.0, 116.0, 114.2, 109.1, 56.1, 56.1;
Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO3, C = 70.02, H = 5.88, N = 5.44, Found C = 70.01, H = 5.89, N = 5.43; EI
MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 257 (M+, 100), 225 (11), 137 (68), 105 (20).
1
(E)-2-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (10). H-NMR: δ 13.32 (s, 1H, OH), 8.93 (s, 1H,
N=CH-Ar), 7.63 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), (dt, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.93 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz),
13
6.80-6.72 (m, 4H), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 161.1, 160.0, 150.1, 148.1,
146.4, 132.2, 132.0, 121.3, 120.4, 119.4, 117.6, 114.2, 109.1, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO3,
C = 70.02, H = 5.88, N = 5.44, Found C = 70.03, H = 5.88, N = 5.43; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 257
(M+, 100), 225 (15), 137 (80), 93 (30).
1
(E)-5-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-2-methoxyphenol (11). H-NMR: δ 9.28 (s, 1H, OH),
8.48 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.42 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.30 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H,
J = 8.0 Hz), 6.97 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.93 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.82 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 3.84
13
(s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 160.0, 152.1, 150.1, 148.2,
147.2, 146.4, 147.1, 131.0, 125.4, 119.4, 115.8, 114.2, 109.1, 56.1, 56.1, 55.8; Anal. Calcd for
C16H17NO4, C = 66.89, H = 5.96, N = 4.88, Found C = 66.88, H = 5.95, N = 4.89; EI MS m/z (% rel.
abund.): 287 (M+, 100), 255 (18), 137 (69), 122 (20).
(E)-2-Bromo-4-(((3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (12). 1H-NMR): δ 12.68 (s, 1H, OH), 8.94
(s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.04 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.76 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0, Hz), 7.07 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz),
6.98 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.95 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.84 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.80 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.77 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 160.1, 158.6, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 130.2, 129.5,
128.4, 119.5, 118.1, 114.3, 113.8, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H14BrNO3, C = 53.59,
H = 4.20, N = 4.17, Found C = 53.60, H = 4.21, N = 4.18; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 337 (M+2 , 61),
335 (M+ , 64), 255 (30), 137 (100).
1
(E)-2-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol (13). H-NMR: δ 10.91 (s, 1H, OH),
8.52 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.22 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.12 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.03–6.97 (m, 3H), 6.90 (d, 1H,
13
J = 8.0 Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 160.1, 153.2,
153.1, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 119.5, 118.2, 118.0, 117.1, 114.2, 113.4, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1, 55.8; Anal.

Molecules 2014, 19
8427
Calcd for C16H17NO4, C = 66.89, H = 5.96, N = 4.88, Found C = 66.91, H = 5.95, N = 4.91; EI MS m/z
(% rel. abund.): 287 (M+, 100), 255 (19), 137 (80), 122 (25).
1
(E)-2-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol (14). H-NMR: δ 13.84 (s, 1H, OH),
8.88 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.51 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz), 7.09 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.01 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz),
6.96 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.57 (dd, 1H, J = 7.5, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.48 (dd, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.83 (s,
13
3H, OCH3), 3.81(s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 164.2, 162.0, 160.1, 1501, 148.2,
146.4, 133.2, 119.5, 114.2, 112.6, 109.1, 107.1, 103.3, 56.1, 56.1, 55.7; Anal. Calcd for C16H17NO4,
C = 66.89, H = 5.96, N = 4.88, Found C = 66.90, H = 5.95, N = 4.92; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 287
(M+, 100), 255 (30), 137 (85), 122 (19).
1
(E)-3-(((3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (15). H-NMR: δ 9.64 (s, 1H, OH), 8.57 (s, 1H,
N=CH-Ar), 7.35 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.31-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.31–7.30 (m, 2H), 6.98–6.97 (m, 1H), 6.92
(dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.86 (dd, 1H, J = 7.5, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H,
13
OCH3); C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 160.1, 158.4, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 138.6, 130.1, 121.6, 119.5, 118.1,
114.8, 114.3, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H15NO3, C = 70.02, H = 5.88, N = 5.44, Found
C = 70.03, H = 5.91, N = 5.42; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 257 (M+, 100), 225 (21), 137 (60), 93 (20).
1
(E)-N-(3,5-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-3,4-dimethoxyaniline (16). H-NMR: δ 8.60 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar),
7.10 (d, 2H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.00 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.96 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0,
13
J = 2.0 Hz), 6.86 (t, 1H, J = 5.5 Hz), 3.82 (s, 9H, 3×OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 161.5,
161.5, 160.1, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 140.5, 119.5, 114.3, 109.2, 103.4, 103.4, 102.6, 56.1, 56.1, 55.8,
55.8; Anal. Calcd for C17H19NO4, C = 67.76, H = 6.36, N = 4.65, Found C = 67.77, H = 6.35,
N = 4.66; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 301 (M+, 40), 269 (45), 149 (21), 137 (100).
1
(E)-3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)aniline (17). H-NMR: δ 8.79 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.10
(d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 8.06 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz),7.07 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.97
(dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR
(DMSO-d6): δ 162.7, 160.1, 150.1, 148.3, 146.4, 130.1, 130.1, 128.5, 119.5, 114.3, 114.3, 114.2,
109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C16H17NO3, C = 70.83, H = 6.32, N = 5.16, Found C = 70.84,
H = 6.33, N = 5.15; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 271 (M+, 26), 151 (11), 138 (17), 137 (100).
1
(E)-3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(3-methoxybenzylidene)aniline (18). H-NMR: δ 8.46 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.46
(d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.43 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz),7.31-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.04 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.98 (dd, 1H,
J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.72 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.81 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H,
OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 160.5, 160.1, 150.1, 148.3, 146.4, 138.1, 129.7, 121.4, 119.5, 116.4, 114.3, 111.3,
109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C16H17NO3, C = 70.83, H = 6.32, N = 5.16, Found C = 70.82,
H = 6.32, N = 5.15; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 271 (M+, 100), 239 (20), 137 (60), 105 (24).
1
(E)-N-(2-Chlorobenzylidene)-3,4-dimethoxyaniline (19). H-NMR: δ 8.90 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.16 (dd,
1H, J = 6.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J = 6.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.56 (ddd, 1H, J = 6.0, J = 2.0, J = 2.0 Hz),
7.46 (t, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz), 7.00 (s, 1H), 6.93 (dd, 1H, J = 6.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.84
13
(s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 157.1, 150.0, 148.2, 146.4, 133.8, 133.2, 132.2,

Molecules 2014, 19
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130.0, 127.1, 126.8, 119.5, 114.3, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for C15H14ClNO2, C = 65.34,
H = 5.12, N = 5.08, Found C = 65.33, H = 5.13, N = 5.09; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 277 (M+2, 31),
275 (M+, 100), 244 (15), 239 (17), 137 (40).
1
(E)-N-(4-Bromo-3-fluorobenzylidene)-3,4-dimethoxyaniline (20). H-NMR: δ 8.92 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar),
7.90 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J = 7.0, J = 4.0 Hz), 7.20 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H,
J = 2.0 Hz), 6.98 (s, 1H), 6.93 (dd, 1H, J = 7.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3),
3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 165.4, 160.1, 148.2, 150.1, 146.4, 134.2, 133.2, 124.0, 119.5, 116.1,
114.2, 112.3, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. C15H13BrFNO2, C = 53.27, H = 3.87, N = 4.14, Found
C = 53.29, H = 3.89, N = 4.15; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 339 (M+2, 46), 337 (M+, 49), 257 (25),
137 (100).
1
(E)-Methyl 4-(((3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-3-nitrobenzoate (21). H-NMR: δ 8.92 (s, 1H,
N=CH-Ar), 8.70 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 8.25 (dd, 1H, J = 7.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 8.21 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.06
(d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.01 (s, 1H), 6.96 (dd, 1H, J = 7.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.83 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 165.8, 160.2, 150.1, 148.3, 147.6, 146.4, 136.1, 132.6, 131.6,
130.1, 123.4, 119.5, 114.2, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1, 52.1; Anal. Calcd for C17H16N2O6, C = 59.30, H = 4.68,
N = 8.14, Found C = 59.31, H = 4.69, N = 8.15; EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 344 (M+, 100), 297 (22),
284 (30), 137 (100).
1
(E)-3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(4-methylbenzylidene)aniline (22). H-NMR: δ 8.61 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 7.82 (d,
2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.33 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 6.98 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.97 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.87 (dd,
13
1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.38 (s, 3H, CH3); C-NMR:
δ 160.1, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 140.5, 133.2, 129.2, 129.2, 129.0, 129.0, 119.6, 114.3, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1,
21.2; Anal. Calcd for C16H17NO2, C = 75.27, H = 6.71, N = 5.49, Found C = 75.29, H = 6.72, N = 5.50;
EI MS m/z (% rel. abund.): 255 (M+, 100), 223 (18), 137 (80), 103 (28).
1
(E)-3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)aniline (23). H-NMR: δ 9.02 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.61
(d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.91 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.03 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.99 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.91
13
(dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH3); C-NMR: δ 160.1, 150.2,
149.2, 148.3, 149.2, 144.2, 142.1, 120.3, 120.3, 119.5, 114.2, 109.3, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for
C14H14N2O2, C = 69.41, H = 5.82, N = 11.56, Found C = 69.40, H = 5.83, N = 11.57; EI MS m/z (%
rel. abund.): 242 (M+, 100), 210 (20), 137 (50), 91 (50).
(E)-N-(4-Fluorobenzylidene)-3,4-dimethoxyaniline (24). 1H-NMR: δ 8.67 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.00 (dd,
2H, J = 8.5, J = 4.0 Hz), 7.91 (t, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.00 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz),
6.94 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3); 13C-NMR: δ 165.1, 160.1,
150.2, 148.3, 146.3, 132.1, 130.7, 130.7, 119.4, 115.5, 115.5, 114.3, 109.2, 56.1, 56.1; Anal. Calcd for
C15H14FNO2, C = 69.49, H = 5.44, N = 5.40, Found C = 69.48, H = 5.43, N = 5.42; EI MS m/z (% rel.
abund.): 259 (M+, 100), 227 (11), 137 (100), 95 (20).
1
(E)-3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(4-nitrobenzylidene)aniline (25). H-NMR: δ 8.88 (s, 1H, N=CH-Ar), 8.37 (d,
2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 8.18 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.11 (d, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz), 7.03 (d, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.01 (dd,

Molecules 2014, 19
8429
13
1H, J = 8.0, J = 2.0 Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.38 (s, 3H, CH3); C-NMR: δ
160.1, 150.3, 150.1, 148.2, 146.4, 142.4, 127.6, 127.6, 124.1, 124.1, 119.5, 114.2, 109.2 Anal. Calcd
for C15H14N2O4, C = 62.93, H = 4.93, N = 9.79, Found C = 62.94, H = 4.92, N = 9.80; EI MS m/z (%
rel. abund.): 286 (M+, 100), 254 (17), 239 (20), 137 (100), 122 (16).
3.5. Theoretical Calculations
The optimization of the synthesized Schiff bases were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)
level of theory [59]. The minima were confirmed by vibrational frequency analysis (i.e., no imaginary
frequency were found). All theoretical calculations were carried out using Gaussian09 package [60].
4. Conclusions
In conclusion, compounds having hydroxyl groups at suitable places as well as number of hydroxyl
groups play a key role in the antioxidant activity. Three crystal structures along with its theoretical
calculations are also reported with experimental value well correlated.
Acknowledgments
Authors would like to acknowledge The Ministry of Education Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi
MARA for the financial support under CIFI grant 600-RMI/DANA/5/3/CIFI (69/2013), and Ahmad
Nazif Aziz would like to express his gratitude to Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for granting him
study leave.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed equally to the paper.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are available from the authors.
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