Microwave synthesis, spectral, thermal and antimicrobial activities of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes with Schiff base ligand

The complexes of tailor made ligands with life essential metal ions may be an emerging area to answer the problems of multi drug resistance (MDR). Some novel Schiff base metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) derived from 4-chlorobenzylidene-2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (CDN) have been synthesized by conventional as well as microwave methods. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, FAB-mass, molar conductance, electronic spectra, ESR, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal analysis. The complexes are coloured and stable in air. Analytical data revealed that all the complexes exhibited 1:2 (metal: ligand) ratio with coordination number 4. FAB-mass and thermal data show degradation pattern of the complexes. The crystal system, lattice parameter, unit cell volume and number of molecules in unit cell in the lattice of complexes have been determined by XRD analysis. XRD patterns indicate crystalline nature for the complexes. The Schiff base and metal complexes show a good activity against the bacteria; E. coli, S. aureus, S. fecalis and fungi A.niger, T. polysporum, C. albicans. The antimicrobial results also indicate that the metal complexes are better antimicrobial agents as compared to the Schiff base.