Synthesis, characterization, and biocide properties of semicarbazide–formaldehyde resin and its polymer metal complexes

Semicarbazide–formaldehyde resin (SFRs) was prepared by the condensation of semicarbazide with formaldehyde in an acidic medium and its polymer metal complexes were prepared with transition metal ions. All the synthesized polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, electronic spectroscopy, magnetic moment measurement and thermogravimetric analyses. The percentage of metal in all the polymer metal complexes was found to be consistent with 2:1 (resin: metal) stoichiometry. The magnetic susceptibility measurement and electronic spectra of all the polymer metal complexes confirmed the geometry of the complexes. All the synthesized polymeric compounds have been screened in vitro against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi (Gram-negative) using shaking flask method. The entire polymer metal complexes showed excellent anti-bacterial activity and low toxicity when compared with their parental polymeric resin. The anti-bacterial activity and toxicity of the entire synthesized compound is significant and they can be used as antimicrobial as well as anticancer agents for mammals in future.

Graphical abstractPolymer metal complexes are prepared by the reaction of polymeric resin with metal acetates in 2:1 molar ratio.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide