Synthesis and spectroscopic studies on complexes of N,N’-bis-(2-pyridinecarboxaldimine)-1,8-diaminonaphthalene (L); DNA binding studies on Cu(II) complex

The Schiff base ligand, N,N’-bis-(2-pyridinecarboxaldimine)-1,8-diaminonaphthalene (L), obtained by the condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and 1,8-diaminonaphthalene, has been used to synthesize the mononuclear complexes of the type [MLCl2] [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)]. The newly synthesized ligand (L) and its complexes have been characterized on the basis of results of elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, Job's method and spectroscopic studies viz., FT-IR, Mass, 1H and 13C NMR. The UV–vis and magnetic moment data revealed an octahedral geometry around Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions and conductivity data show a non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies support that Cu(II) complex exhibits significant binding to calf thymus DNA.