Spectral, XRD, SEM and biological properties of new mononuclear Schiff base transition metal complexes

•Mononuclear transition metal Schiff base complexes were synthesized.•Solution structures were determined using UV/Vis and NMR.•Solid structure analysis was carried out via FT IR, XRD, and SEM.•Excellent anti-leishmanial activity

Six new transition metal complexes derived from the reaction of 4(4-(dimethylamino) benzylideneamino) benzoic acid and Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) cations, were prepared, isolated and characterized by a range of spectral and analytical methods including UV/Vis, FT IR, NMR, MS, powder XRD, TGA and SEM. The complexes were formed with the deprotonation of the ligand and presented typical six-coordinated octahedral geometry. In addition, the biological activity was evaluated by conducting in vitro anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-leishmanial screenings. All the complexes were found more active than the ligand, while complex 7 revealed biological significance.

Graphical abstractSix new mononuclear transition metal complexes were synthesized with Schiff base ligand i.e. 4(4-(dimethylamino) benzylideneamino) benzoic acid in 1:2 molar stoichiometry. Analytical data obtained proved the deprotonation of the ligand in distorted octahedral geometry. Zn(II) complex proved an interesting biological significance during the in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-fungal screenings.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide