Synthesis, structures, and urease inhibitory activities of three copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 2-{[2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol

In order to explore novel urease inhibitors, three new mononuclear complexes of Cu(II) and Zn(II) with Schiff base 2-{[2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Among the three complexes, two Cu(II) complexes show strong urease inhibitory activities with the IC50 values being much lower than that of the acetohydroxamic acid, while the Zn(II) complex shows no activity at the concentration of 100 μM.

Graphical abstractThree mononuclear complexes of Cu(II) and Zn(II) with Schiff base 2-{[2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol have been prepared and structurally characterized. The two Cu(II) complexes may serve as potential urease inhibitors.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide