Synthesis, characterization and study of antibacterial activity of enaminone complexes of zinc and iron

Complexes of enaminones; 4-N,N-diethylamine-pent-3-ene-2-one [HL1], 4-N,N-di n-propylamine-pent-3-ene-2-one [HL2] and 4-N,N-dicyclohexylamine-pent-3-ene-2-one [HL3] with Fe(II) and Zn(II) ions were prepared by reacting the equimolar ethanolic solutions of the ligands (HL1, HL2 and HL3) with ethanolic metal solutions. The complexes formed, were characterized by infrared, ultraviolet and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Ligands and their metal complexes were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to assess their antibacterial action using disc diffusion method. Ligands were completely inactive against bacteria whereas the complex Zn (HL1) has significant action on both bacteria, indicating that it has a good potential as bactericide. Other complexes have normal antiseptic character.