Synthesis of 5-aryl-2H-tetrazoles, 5-aryl-2H-tetrazole-2-acetic acids, and [(4-phenyl-5-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio]acetic acids as possible superoxide scavengers and antiinflammatory agents.

A series of 5-aryl-2H-tetrazoles, 5-aryl-2H-tetrazole-2-acetic acids, and [(4-phenyl-5-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio]acetic acids were synthesized and tested in vitro for superoxide scavenging activity, in vivo in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay, and in the reverse passive Arthus reaction. The hydroxy-substituted compounds were effective as in vitro scavengers of superoxide but were not effective as in vivo antiinflammatory agents.