Chromene as Antioxidants

Chromene is a heterocyclic compound that contains oxygen in its ring. It is widely obtained naturally from both animals and plants, and it is an integral part of alkaloids, tocopherol, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The 2-oxo-2H-chromene is called coumarins, and coumarins have excellent antioxidant potential due to the presence of the phenol group, more than 1300 coumarins have been identified to date. The chromene scaffold in coumarins has the structural modification ability that makes it the structure of choice for medicinal purposes. Various medicines can be synthesized by using a chromene scaffold e.g. asthma, hypertension, antifungal, and antimicrobial. Chromene shows a good antioxidant potential that depends on its hydrogen ion releasing capacity and stabilizes hydrogen with the help of a high resonating structure. The bond length between bonds also enhances the free radical scavenging function. In this chapter, we have discussed some chromene derivatives and their antioxidant potential, and the effect of cyclic structure on the antioxidant’s function. 

Keywords: Antioxidant, Benzopyran, Chromene, Coumarins, Free radical scavenging, Keto-enol tautomerism.