Mono{hydrotris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borato} complexes of manganese(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) halides

A series of [Tm(Me)M(mu-Cl)]2 and Tm(R)MCl (Tm(R) = tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate; R = Me, tBu, Ph, 2,6-iPr2C6H3 (Ar); M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) complexes have been prepared by treatment of NaTm(Me) or LiTm(R) with an excess amount of metal(II) chlorides, MCl2. Treatment of Tm(R)MCl (R = tBu, Ph, Ar) with NaI led to a halide exchange to afford Tm(R)MI. The molecular structures of [Tm(Me)M(mu-Cl)]2 (M = Mn, Ni), [Tm(Me)Ni(mu-Br)]2, Tm(tBu)MCl (M = Fe, Co), Tm(Ph)MCl (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), Tm(Ar)MCl (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), Tm(Ph)MI (M = Mn, Co), and Tm(Ar)MI (M = Fe, Co, Ni) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The Tm(R) ligands occupy the tripodal coordination site of the metal ions, giving a square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry for Tm(Me)M(mu-Cl)]2 and a tetrahedral geometry for the Tm(R)MCl complexes, where the S-M-S bite angles are larger than the reported N-M-N angles of the corresponding hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp(R)) complexes. Treatment of Tm(Ph)2Fe with excess FeCl2 affords Tm(Ph)FeCl, indicating that Tm(R)2M as well as Tm(R)MCl is formed at the initial stage of the reaction between MCl2 and the Tm(R) anion.     

The preparation and characterization of some new nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes of the pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde Schiff bases ofS-alkyl esters of dithiocarbazic acid

Summary New complexes of general formulae [Ni(HL)₂], [ML]·H₂O and [Cu(HL)X] (H₂L = pyrrole-2-aldehyde Schiff bases ofS-methyl- andS-benzyldithiocarbazates; X = Cl or Br; M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II or Cd^II) were prepared and characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques. The Schiff bases coordinate as NS bidentate chelating agents in [Ni(HL)₂] and [Cu(HL)X], and as tridentate NNS chelates in [ML] (M = Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II or Cd^II). Both the [Ni(HL)₂] and [NiL] complexes are diamagnetic and square-planar. Based on magnetic and spectroscopic evidence, thiolate sulphur-bridged dimeric square-planar structures are assigned to the [Cu(HL)X] and [ML] (M = Ni^II or Cu^II) complexes. The complexes ML (M = Zn^II or Cd^II) are polymeric and octahedral.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization and biological activity of benzofuran Schiff bases with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes

New Schiff bases have been synthesized from benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide and benzaldehyde, [BPMC] or 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, [BDMeOPMC]; complexes of the type MLX₂, where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), L = BPMC or BDMeOPMC and X = Cl, have been prepared. Structures have been elucidated on the basis of elemental analysis, conductance measurements, magnetic properties, spectral studies i.e., ¹H NMR, electronic, ESR and IR studies show that the Schiff bases are bidentate through the azomethine nitrogen and oxygen of the carbonyl. We propose tentative structures for all of these complexes. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of the ligands and their metal complexes have been screened against fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus and against bacteria Escherichia coli and S. aurious.     

Bioactive Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) Complexes Containing a Tridentate Sulfathiazole-Based (ONN) Schiff Base

New Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized with the Schiff base ligand obtained by the condensation of sulfathiazole with salicylaldehyde. Their characterization was performed by elemental analysis, molar conductance, spectroscopic techniques (IR, diffuse reflectance and UV–Vis–NIR), magnetic moments, thermal analysis, and calorimetry (thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry), while their morphological and crystal systems were explained on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction results. The IR data indicated that the Schiff base ligand is tridentate coordinated to the metallic ion with two N atoms from azomethine group and thiazole ring and one O atom from phenolic group. The composition of the complexes was found to be of the [ML₂]∙nH₂O (M = Co, n = 1.5 (1); M = Ni, n = 1 (2); M = Cu, n = 4.5 (3)) type, having an octahedral geometry for the Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry for the Cu(II) complex. The presence of lattice water molecules was confirmed by thermal analysis. XRD analysis evidenced the polycrystalline nature of the powders, with a monoclinic structure. The unit cell volume of the complexes was found to increase in the order of (2) < (1) < (3). SEM evidenced hard agglomerates with micrometric-range sizes for all the investigated samples (ligand and complexes). EDS analysis showed that the N:S and N:M atomic ratios were close to the theoretical ones (1.5 and 6.0, respectively). The geometric and electronic structures of the Schiff base ligand 4-((2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino)-N-(thiazol-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide (HL) was computationally investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The predictive molecular properties of the chemical reactivity of the HL and Cu(II) complex were determined by a DFT calculation. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were tested against some bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). The results indicated that the antibacterial activity of all metal complexes is better than that of the Schiff base.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of ONS ligands formed from 2-hydroxyacetophenone and S-alkyldithiocarbazates and the X-ray crystal structure of the [Ni(Ap-SMe)py] complex (Ap-SMe = anion of the 2-hydroxyacetophenone Schiff base of S-methyl-dithiocarbazate)

Summary New nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of general formulae [M(Ap-SR)] and [Ap-SR)B] (Ap-SR = dianionic forms of the Schiff bases of 2-hydroxyacetophenone and S-alkyl esters of dithiocarbazic acid; M = Ni^II or Cu^II; R = Me or CH₂Ph; B = py, phen or dipy have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques. Magnetic and spectroscopic data support an oxygen-bridged binuclear structure for the [M(Ap-SR)] complexes. The [M(Ap-SR)py] complexes are four-coordinate and square planar, whereas the [M(Ap-SR)B] complexes (B = phen or dipy) are five-coordinate and probably trigonal bipyramidal. The [Cu(Ap-SR)B] complexes (B = py, phen or dipy) obey the Curie-Weiss law over the 298-93 K range.The structure of the [Ni(Ap-SMe)py] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. It has an approximately square-planar structure in which the doubly-deprotonated Schiff base is coordinated to the Ni^II ion via the azomethine N atom, the phenolic O atom and the thiolato S atom. The fourth coordination position around the Ni^II ion is occupied by the N of the pyridine ligand.     

Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of a tertraaza macrocyclic ligand: Synthesis, characterization and biological screening

Manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with 1,5,11,15-tetraaza-21,22-dioxo-tricyclo [19,3,1,I^6,10]-5,10,15-20-dicosatetraene (L), as a new macrocyclicligand, have been synthesized with and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMF correspond to non-electrolytic nature of Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, while showing a 1:2 electrolyte for thew Ni(II) complexe. Thus, these complexes may be formulated as [M(L)X₂] and [Ni(L)]X₂ (where M = Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) and X = Cl^- and NO₃ ^-). On the basis of IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies, an octahedral geometry has been assigned for Mn(II) and Co(II), a square planar for Ni(II) and tetragonal for Cu(II) complexes. In vitro ligand and its metal complexes were also screened against the growth of some fungal and bacterial species in order to assess their antimicrobial properties.     

Synthesis,physico-chemical investigations and biological studies on Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with p -amino acetophenone isonicotinoyl hydrazone

Complexes of the type [M(painh)(H₂O)₂X], where M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X = Cl₂ or SO₄; painh = p-amino acetophenone isonicotinoyl hydrazone, have been synthesized and characterized by spectral and other physico-chemical techniques. The synthesized complexes are stable powders, insoluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and diethyl ether, and are non-electrolytes. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) studies show that the organic ligand decomposes exothermically through various steps. TGA and Infrared (IR) spectral studies indicate the presence of coordinated water in the metal complexes. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and electronic spectra suggest that Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes are paramagnetic with octahedral geometry, whereas Cu(II) complexes have distorted octahedral geometry. The neutral bidentate ligand bonds through >C=O and >C=N–groups in all the complexes. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectra in the solid state show axial symmetry for [Cu(painh)(H₂O)₂(SO₄)] and elongated rhombic symmetry for [Cu(painh)(H₂O)₂Cl₂], suggesting an elongated tetragonally-distorted octahedral structure for both complexes. X-ray powder diffraction parameters for two complexes correspond to tetragonal and orthorhombic crystal lattices. The metal complexes show fair antifungal activity against Rizoctonia sp., Aspergillus sp., Stemphylium sp., and Penicillium sp. and appreciable antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia coli.     

Synthesis, characterization of complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with 12-membered Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand and the study of their antimicrobial and reducing power

Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, L (C(40)H(28)N(4)) and its complexes of types, [MLX(2)] and [CuL]X(2) (M=Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II); X=Cl(-), NO(3)(-)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, mass, (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance data. An octahedral geometry has been proposed for all the complexes except the copper(II) complexes which have a square planar environment. The reducing power of the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been checked and compared. The ligand (L) and its complexes have also been screened against different fungi and bacteria in vitro.     

Co-ordination compounds of diacetyldihydrazone and diacetylbis(monomethylhydrazone)

Summary Diacetyldihydrazone (DADH) forms only six-coordinate complexes with iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II). In M(DADH)₂X₂ (M=Fe, X=Br or I; M=Co, X=I; M=Ni, X=Cl, Br or NCS) the ligand is chelating in the [M(DADH)₃]²⁺ cations, while in M(DADH)₂X₂ (M=Co, X=Cl or Br; M=Ni, X=Cl or Br) the ligand is probably bridging and bidentate. Diacetylbismonomethylhydrazone (DAMH), by contrast, forms predominantly tetrahedral complexes M(DAMH)X₂ (M=Fe or Co, X=Cl or Br; M=Ni, X=Br; M=Co, X=NCS; M=Zn, X=Cl, Br or NCS) and some octahedral complexes M(DAMH)₂X₂ (M=Co, X=NCS; M=Ni, X=Br). The i.r. spectra, electronic spectra and magnetic moments of the complexes are discussed.     

Transition metal complexes of the Schiff base derived from S-methyldithiocarbazate with 2-aminobenzaldehyde

Summary New complexes of general formula [M(NNS)X] (NNS⁻ = anion of the Schiff base of 2-aminobenzaldehyde with S-methyldithiocarbazate; M = Ni, Cu, Pd or Pt; X = Cl, Br, I, NCS, NO₃ or AcO), [Ni(NNS)(HNNS)]NO₃ and [Co(NNS)₂]Cl were prepared and characterised. The magnetic and spectral evidence suggests a square-planar structure for the mono-ligated complexes and an octahedral structure for the bis-chelated complexes. The copper(II) complexes have been shown to display high antifungal activities against the pathogenic fungi, Alternaria alternata and Curvularia geniculata.     

Heterodinukleare Cobalt(II)‐, Nickel(II)‐, Kupfer(II)‐, Zink(II)und Palladium(II)‐Komplexe mit einem makrocyclischen Liganden vom Schiff‐Basen‐Typ: Synthesen und Strukturen

Complexes with Macrocyclic Ligands. IV. Heterodinuclear Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), Copper(II), Zinc(II) and Palladium(II) Complexes with a Macrocyclic Ligand of Schiff‐Base Type: Syntheses and Structures The synthesis and properties of nickel(II), copper(II), and palladium(II) complexes, [ML^Ph] ( 3 ; L^Ph = N,N′‐phenylene‐bis(3‐formyl‐5‐tert.‐butyl‐salicylaldimine)), are described. These neutral mononuclear complexes react with metal(II) perchlorate and 1,3‐propylenediamine to form heterodinuclear, macrocyclic, cationic complexes of the type [MM′(L^Ph,3)]²⁺ ( 4 ; M = Ni, Cu, Pd; M′ = Co, Cu, Zn). The structures of the five new compounds [NiCo(L^Ph,3)](ClO₄)₂, [NiCu(L^Ph,3)](ClO₄)₂, [CuCu(L^Ph,3)](ClO₄)₂, [CuZn(L^Ph,3)](ClO₄)₂, and [PdCu(L^Ph,3)](ClO₄)₂ were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Preparation and characterization of some transition metal complexes of benzoic acid hydrazones of 2-aminonicotinaldehyde

Summary Cu^II, Ni^II, Co^II, Zn^II and Pd^II complexes of tridentate Schiff base ligands derived from the condensation of benzoic acid hydrazides with 2-aminonicotinaldehyde have been prepared and characterized. For M=Cu, Ni, Co and Zn the complexes were formulated as [M(ligand)(H₂O)X] (X=Cl, Br), with a distorted octahedral geometry and tridentate Schiff base ligands. The Pd complexes were formulated as Pd(ligand)Cl₂, with square planar geometries and bidentate Schiff base ligands. The e.s.r. spectra of the Cu^II complexes are discussed.     

Synthesis,structural studies and bio-activity of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with p -amino acetophenone salicyloyl hydrazone

Complexes of the type [M(pash)Cl] and [M(Hpash)(H₂O)SO₄] (M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); Hpash = p-amino acetophenone salicyloyl hydrazone) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar electrical conductance, magnetic moments, electronic, ESR and IR spectra, thermal studies and X-ray powder diffraction. All the complexes are insoluble in common organic solvents and are non-electrolytes. The magnetic moment values and electronic spectra indicate a square-planar geometry for Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloride complexes and spin-free octahedral geometry for the sulfato complexes. The ligand coordinates through >C=N–,–NH₂ and a deprotonated enolate group in all the chloro complexes, and through >C=N–, >C=O and–NH₂ in the sulfato complexes. Thermal analyses (TGA and DTA) of [Cu(pash)Cl] show a multi-step exothermic decomposition pattern. ESR spectral parameters of Cu(II) complexes in solid state at room temperature suggest the presence of the unpaired electron in d _{x ² ? y ²} . X-ray powder diffraction parameters for [Cu(pash)Cl] and [Ni(Hpash)(H₂O)SO₄] correspond to tetragonal and orthorhombic crystal lattices, respectively. The complexes show a fair degree of antifungal activity against Aspergillus sp., Stemphylium sp. and Trichoderma sp. and moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli and Clostridium sp.     

Nickel(II)- und Kobalt(II)-Komplexe des trans-2-Äthylmercapto-cyclohexyl-phenylphosphins

Preparation and properties of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) chelates of the bidentate ligand trans-2-ethylthio-cyclohexyl-phenylphosphine (ÄMCPP) are described. Three types of nickel(II) complexes have been obtained from ÄMCPP: the four-coordinated, square planar [Ni(ÄMCPP)₂]X₂ (X = J, Br, ClO₄); five-coordinated [Ni(ÄMCPP)₂X]X (X = Cl, NCS), [Ni(ÄMCPP)₂X]BPh₄ (X = Cl, NCS) and the octahedral [Ni(ÄMCPP)₂Cl₂]. Cobalt(II) forms tetrahedral 1.1-[Co(ÄMCPP)X₂] (X = Br, Cl) and 1.2-Co(ÄMCPP)₂X₂(X = Br, Cl, NCS) complexes. All compounds were characterized by electronic reflectance and absorption spectra, conductivity and magnetic measurements.     

Synthesis and characterisation of mixed ligand Pt(II) and Pt(IV) oxadiazoline complexes

The nitrile ligands in trans-[PtX2(PhCN)2] (X = Cl, Br, I) undergo sequential 1,3 dipolar cycloadditions with nitrones R1R2C=N+(Me)-O(-) (R1 = H, R2 = Ph; R1 = CO2Et, R2 = CH2CO2Et) to selectively form the Delta4-1,2,4-oxadiazoline complexes trans-[PtX2(PhCN) (N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CR1R2)] or trans-[PtX2(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CR1R2)2] in high yields. The reactivity of the mixed ligand complexes trans-[PtX2(PhCN)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CR1R2)] towards oxidation and ligand substitution was studied in more detail. Oxidation with Cl2 or Br2 provides the Pt(IV) species trans-[PtX2Y2(PhCN)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CH(Ph))] (X, Y = Cl, Br). The mixed halide complex (X = Cl, Y = Br) undergoes halide scrambling in solution to form trans-[PtX(4-n)Yn(PhCN)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CH(Ph))] as a statistical mixture. Ligand substitution in trans-[PtCl2(PhCN)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CR1R2)] allows for selective replacement of the coordinated nitrile by nitrogen heterocycles such as pyridine, DMAP or 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole to produce mixed ligand Pt(II) complexes of the type trans- [PtX2(heterocycle)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CR1R2)]. All compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR and 1H, 13C and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of (R,S)-trans-[PtBr2(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CH(Ph))2] and trans-[PtCl2(C5H5N)(N=C(Ph)-O-N(Me)-CH(Ph))] confirms the molecular structure and the trans configuration of the heterocycles relative to each other.     

Complexes of Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Chloroacetates with Quinoline N-Oxide

Some 1:1 and 1:2 adducts of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) chloroacetates with quinoline N -oxide have been isolated by the interaction of the appropriate metal chloroacetate with quinoline N -oxide (QuinNo). The complexes isolated are of 1:1 stoichiometry of formula [M(CH₃_xClxCOO)₂QuinNO] (when M=Co(II), Ni(II); X=1,2 and 3 and when M=Cu(II), X=l and 2) except copper(II) trichloroacetate which yields an adduct of 1:2 stoichiometry of formula[Cu(CCI₃COO)₂(QuinNO)₂]. The adducts isolated are soluble in common organic solvents.     

Synthesis and characterization of manganese(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) Schiff-base complexes derived from 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethylamine

The synthesis of a new Schiff base containing 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethylamine is described. The reaction of 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde with 2-mercaptoethylamine leads to 2,9-bis(2-ethanthiazolinyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (I) which undergoes rearrangement when reacted with manganese, nickel, copper or zinc ions to produce complexes of the tautomeric Schiff base 2,9-bis[2-(2-mercaptoethyl)-2-azaethene]-1,10-phenanthroline (L). The [M(L)Cl₂] complexes [where M = Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions] were characterized by physical and spectroscopic measurements which indicated that the ligand is a tetradentate N₄ chelating agent.     

Synthesis and structural studies of 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone complexes of oxovanadium(IV), manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II)

Complexes with chemical compositions VO(Hatth)₂SO₄, VO(Hatth)₂SO₄·py, [M(Hatth)₂Cl·H₂O]Cl [M = Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)], [Cu(Hatth)₂Cl]₂Cl₂, [Cu(Hatth)₂· Cl·py]Cl, [Cd(Hatth)₂Cl]Cl, M(Hatth)₂Cl₂ [M = Zn(II) and Hg(II)], VO(atth)₂, VO(atth)₂py, M(atth)₂(py)₂ [M = Mn(II) and Cu(II)], M(atth)₂(H₂O)₂ [M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)], Hatth = 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone, and atth, its deprotonated form, have been prepared and characterized by analytical data, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic and photoacoustic, ESR, IR and NMR spectral studies. X-ray diffraction study has been used to determine the shape and the dimensions of the unit lattice of copper(II) complexes.     

Template synthesis and physicochemical studies of 14-membered hexaazmacrocyclic complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II): a comparative spectroscopic approach on DNA binding with Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes

A new series of 14-membered pendant arm hexaazamacrocyclic complexes of the type [MLX₂] · [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II) for X = Cl; Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II) for X = NO₃] has been synthesized by metal template condensation of 1,2-phenylenediamine and 1,4-phenylenediamine with formaldehyde in methanol. The mode of bonding and overall geometry of these complexes have been deduced by elemental analyses, molar conductance values, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, EPR, ESI-mass and UV–VIS along with magnetic measurement studies. The fluorescence and UV–VIS studies revealed a significant binding ability to DNA.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and crystal structure of the Schiff base ligand L derived from condensation of 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine and its complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II): Comparative DNA binding studies of L and its Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

The Schiff base ligand, N,N'-bis-(2-thiophenecarboxaldimine)-3,3'-diaminobenzidine (L) obtained from condensation of 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde and 3,3'-diaminobenzidine, was used to synthesize the complexes of type, [M2L2]Cl4 [M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II)]. The newly synthesized ligand (L) was characterized on the basis of the results of elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The characteristic resonance signals in 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra indicated the presence of azomethine group as a result of condensation reaction. The stoichiometry, bonding and stereochemistries of complexes were ascertained on the basis of results of elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductance and spectroscopic studies viz., FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV-vis and EPR. EPR, UV-vis and magnetic moment data revealed an octahedral geometry for complexes with distortion in Cu(II) complex and conductivity data show 1:2 electrolytic nature of complexes. Absoption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies supported that Schiff base ligand L and its Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes exhibited significant binding to calf thymus DNA. The complexes exhibited higher affinity to calf thymus DNA than the free Schiff base ligand L.