Modification by ferrocene: An approach to enhance antioxidant ability of ailanthoidol to protect DNA

► Ailanthoidol was synthesized following a literature. in an experimental system. ► Ailanthoidol can scavenge 1.5 radicals in protecting DNA against AAPH. ► Ailanthoidol without phenolic hydroxyl group cannot protect DNA in this case. ► A ferrocenyl group introduced into ailanthoidol can scavenge 2.0 radicals and trap 1.92 ABTS+.. ► Ailanthoidol only trapped 1.58 ABTS+..