Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and structural investigation of a new charge transfer complex of 2,6-diaminopyridine with 4-nitrophenylacetic acid: Antimicrobial, DNA binding/cleavage and antioxidant studies

•Molecular structure of the complex was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique.•The complex possesses a significant antimicrobial activity against a panel of microbes.•The complex interacts with CT-DNA, via intercalatively.•The complex can efficiently cleave CT-DNA via oxidative cleavage.•The complex possesses valuable antioxidant property against DPPH radical.

A new hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer complex (CT) formed by the reaction between donor, 2,6-diaminopyridine and acceptor, 4-nitrophenylacetic acid in methanol at room temperature. The crystal was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopic studies and thermal studies. The elemental analysis of CT complex, obtained data revealed that the formation of 1:1 ratio CT complex was proposed. Infrared and NMR studies confirm the chemical constituents and molecular structure of the synthesized complex crystal. The high thermal stability is due to the molecular frame work through H-bonding interactions. Structural investigation indicates that cation and anion are linked through strong N+–H⋯O− type of hydrogen bond. The hydrogen bonded charge transfer crystal was screened for its pharmacology, such as antimicrobial, DNA binding/cleavage and antioxidant studies. The CT complex was screened for its antibacterial and antifungal activity against various bacterial and fungal species, which shows good antimicrobial activity. The DNA binding results indicated that the compound could interact with DNA through intercalation. It should have weak to moderate capacity of scavenging with DPPH.

Graphical abstractThe organic charge transfer complex was synthesised and characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR, NMR spectroscopic techniques and thermal analysis. The CT complex was screened for its antibacterial and antifungal activity against various bacterial and fungal species, which shows good antimicrobial activity. The DNA binding results indicated that the compound could interact with DNA through intercalation. It should have weak to moderate capacity of scavenging with DPPH.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide