Synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA binding ability and antibacterial screening of copper(II) complexes of symmetrical NOON tetradentate Schiff bases bearing different bridges

A novel series of four copper(II) complexes were synthesized by thermal reaction of copper acetate salt with symmetrical tetradentate Schiff bases, N,N′bis(o-vanillin)4,5-dimethyl-l,2-phenylenediamine (H2L1), N,N′bis(salicylaldehyde)4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2L2), N,N′bis(o-vanillin)4,5-dichloro-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2L3) and N,N′bis(salicylaldehyde)4,5-dichloro-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2L4), respectively. All the new synthesized complexes were characterized by using of microanalysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis, magnetic measurements, ESR, and conductance measurements, respectively. The data revealed that all the Schiff bases (H2L1–4) coordinate in their deprotonated forms and behave as tetradentate NOON coordinated ligands. Moreover, their copper(II) complexes have square planar geometry with general formula [CuL1–4]. The binding of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence quenching and viscosity measurements. The results indicated that the complexes bind to CT-DNA through an intercalative mode. From the biological activity view, the copper(II) complexes and their parent ligands were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosai by well diffusion method. The complexes showed an increased activity in comparison to some standard drugs.

► Novel Cu(II) salen complexes were synthesized and fully characterized.
► The binding of the complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated.
► The in vitro antibacterial activity of the complexes was investigated.