Synthesis, structural characterization, thermal studies, catalytic efficiency and antimicrobial activity of some M(II) complexes with ONO tridentate Schiff base N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol (saphH2)

The reactions of acetate salts of M(II) (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) with N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol (saphH2) in ethyl alcohol afforded new four coordinated complexes with the general formula [M(II)(saph)(H2O)]. The complexes have been fully characterized by microanalysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, 1H NMR, IR, UV–Vis, ESR, mass spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental data have been shown that all complexes are mononuclear with the M(II) being coordinated by a dianionic tridentate Schiff base ligand, through the deprotonated two enolic oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen atoms. UV–Vis spectra and magnetic moments have been suggested square planar stereochemistry for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, and tetrahedral geometry has been suggested for Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes. The new complexes have been tested for their abilities to catalyze aerial oxidation of benzaldehyde to benzoic acid. Finally, in view of the biological activity, antibacterial and antifungal tests of the ligand and its complexes have been carried out and the results were compared with some known antibiotics.