Asymmetric Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile and their metal complexes

• Asymmetric Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN).
• Metal coordination complexes with DAMN-based asymmetric Schiff bases.
• Applications of complexes with DAMN-based asymmetric Schiff bases.

Asymmetric Schiff bases, due to its asymmetric structure, can be used as asymmetric catalyst, antibacterial, and mimic molecules during simulate biological processes, etc. In recent years, research on synthesis and properties of asymmetric Schiff bases have become an increase interest of chemists. This review summarizes asymmetric Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) and DAMN-based asymmetric Schiff bases metal complexes. Applications of DAMN-based asymmetric Schiff bases are also discussed in this review.