A series of nitrodihydroxybenzenes and nitrocaffeic acids were prepare
d and their hydroxyl radical (OH degrees) and superoxide anion (O-2(-)
) scavenging activities and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities wer
e evaluated. 2-Nitrocaffeic acid is the more potent O-2(-) scavenger.
2-(and 5)-Nitrocaffeic acids are the more potent xanthine oxidase inhi
bitors.