Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of copper(II) complexes with 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives

Novel series of four copper(II) complexes with 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives (obtained from the Knoevenagel condensate of acetylacetone (obtained from acetylacetone and halogen substituted benzaldehydes) and 2-aminobenzimidazole) were synthesized. They were structurally characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, FAB mass, FT- IR, 1H & 13C-NMR, UV-Vis., and EPR techniques. On the basis of analytical and spectral studies, the distorted square planar geometry was assigned for all the complexes. The antibacterial screening of the ligands and their copper complexes indicated that all the complexes showed higher anti microbial activities than the free ligands. Superoxide dismutase and antioxidant activities of the copper complexes have also been performed. In the electrochemical technique, the shift in ΔEp, E1/2 and Ipc values were explored for the interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA. During the electrolysis process, the present ligand system stabilizes unusual oxidation state of copper in the complexes. It is believed that the copper complexes with curcumin analogs may enhance chemotherapeutic behavior.