The efficiency of 2-beta-dinitrostyrene as a cathode material in a magnesium/zinc-based primary battery is examined. The discharge performance of the cell is investigated under different parametric variations such as temperature, nature of electrolyte, current drain and zeolite modification. A seven-electron reduction seems to be responsible for the discharge of the cell. The end-of-discharge product is anthranilic acid. Participation of oxygen in the reduction process is indicated. The chemical reaction responsible for discharge involves electroreductive cyclization of 2-beta-dinitrostyrene to indole, which is further converted into anthranilic acid by oxygen. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.