SOD mimics. Mn(III) porphyrins, Mn(II) cyclic polyamines, Mn(III) salen derivatives, nitroxides, and fullerenes were shown to possess SOD-like activity. “Free” Mn (i.e., low-molecular-weight Mn(II) species) such as aqua, oxo, hydroxo, and carboxylato species are able to dismute O2·− also. 5,10,15,20: meso positions of methine bridges between pyrrolic rings.