Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of 2-acetylpyridine-α-naphthoxyacetylhydrazone its metal complexes

•Preparation of Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg and U(VI)O22+ complexes of the new hydrazine Schiff base.•Elemental analysis, spectral characterization of the ligand and its complexes.•Thermal behavior of some solid metal complexes was studied using TGA technique.•The compounds were screened for antibacterial, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.

A new series of complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Hg(II) and UO22+ derived from 2-acetylpyridine-α-naphthoxyacetylhydrazone (HA2PNA) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV–visible, ESR and 1H NMR) as well as magnetic and thermal measurements. The data revealed that the ligand acts as neutral NO, NN and NNO or mono-negative NNO chelate. On the basis of electronic spectral and magnetic moment data, an octahedral geometry is suggested for Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and UO22+ complexes and a square planar arrangement for Cu(II) complex. The bond length, bond angle, HOMO, LUMO, dipole moment and charges on the atoms have been calculated to confirm the geometry of the ligand and the investigated complexes. The kinetic parameters were determined for thermal degradation stages of some complexes using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger methods. Also, the ligand and its complexes were screened against antibacterial, antioxidant using DPPH radical and antitumor activities using in vitro Ehrlich ascites assay.

Graphical abstractMolecular structure of [Cu(HA2PNA)Cl2]H2O complex.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide