The redox reactivity of avarone and avarol, a quinone/hydroquinone couple isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea avara, was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, using a glassy carbon electrode. Both oxidation of avarol and reduction of avarone in aqueous ethanol (1: 1 V/V) take place by a 2 em process at a wide range of pH values; in acetonitrile, however, the reduction of avarone occurs as a stepwise electron transfer process. The mechanisms, as well as the scope and limitations of the method are discussed with reference to the biological activity of the two sesquiterpenoids.
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