Characterization of cytoprotective and toxic properties of iron chelator SIH, prochelator BSIH and their degradation products

•Fe prochelator BSIH is nontoxic, stable and does not interfere with Fe homeostasis.•BSIH is activated by ROS to Fe chelator SIH that is prone to hydrolysis.•Salicylaldehyde is the main decomposition product of SIH and BSIH.•Salicylaldehyde retains chelating activity and significant cytoprotective properties.•BSIH is promising compound with multiple active degradation products.