Synthesis, spectroscopic, antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage studies of some metal complexes involving symmetrical bidentate N, N donor Schiff base ligand

The Schiff base ligand, N,N′-bis-(4-isopropylbenzaldimine)-1,2-diaminoethane (L), obtained by the condensation of 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde and 1,2-diaminoethane, has been used to synthesize the complexes of the type [ML2X2] [M = Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II); X = Cl and OAc]. The newly synthesized ligand (L) and its complexes have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, mass, 1H and 13C-NMR, molar conductance, IR, UV–vis, magnetic moment, CV and thermal analyses, powder XRD and SEM. IR spectral data show that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a bidentate manner. The geometrical structures of these complexes are found to be octahedral. Interestingly, reaction with Cu(II) ion with this ligand undergoes hydrolytic cleavage to form ethylenediamine copper(II) complex and the corresponding aldehyde. The antimicrobial results indicate that the chloro complexes exhibit more activity than the acetato complexes. The complexes bind to CT–DNA by intercalation modes. Novel chloroform soluble ZnL2Cl2 complex exhibits tremendous antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleaving properties.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Coordination with Cu(II) ion with the ligand undergoes hydrolytic cleavage. ► Novel chloroform soluble ZnL2Cl2 complex exhibits tremendous biological properties. ► SEM image of Zn(II) complexes show a gorgeous surface morphology with nano needles.