Synthesis and spectral characterization of 2′-hydroxy chalconate complexes of ruthenium(II) and their catalytic and biological applications

The reactions of [RuHCl(CO)(B)(EPh3)2] (B = EPh3 or pyridine; E = P or As) and 2′-hydroxychalcones in 1:2 ratio led to the formation of [Ru(CO)(B)(L)2] (B = PPh3, AsPh3 or Py; L = 2′-hydroxychalcones). The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, electronic and 1H NMR) data. They have been assigned an octahedral structure. The new complexes were found to catalyze the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes using N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as co-oxidant. All the new complexes were found to be active against bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella typhi and fungi Aspergillus niger. The activity was compared with standard Streptomycin or Bavistin.