Antibacterial activity of transition metal complexes containing a tridentate NNO phenoxymethylpenicillin‐based Schiff base. An anti‐MRSA iron (II) complex

Transition metal complexes containing a phenoxymethylpenicillin‐derived Schiff base (HL) 3 obtained from the condensation of phenoxymethylpenicillin (PMP) 1 , with 1,2‐diaminobenzene 2 , were prepared. Spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques, namely, UV–Vis, FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, EPR, mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, DFT studies, together with elemental and thermal analyses were used to characterize the synthesized complexes. Based on the characterization studies, the general formulae [ML (OAc)(H₂O)₂] where M = Fe 4 , Co 5 , Ni 6 , Cu 7 , and Zn 8 , were proposed for the complexes. The Schiff base ligand 3 behaved as a monoanionic tridentate NNO chelating agent. On the basis of magnetic and spectral data an octahedral geometry for all the complexes was suggested. Schiff base ligand 3 , and the metal complexes 4 – 8 were tested against G(+) or bactericidal activity by agar disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results were compared with the activity of the standard drug PMP 1 . In vitro bacterial viability revealed that 3  had similar activity than 1 and exhibited modification in its bactericidal activity when formed metal complexes. It was found that the complexes 4 , 6 and 7 exhibited much better bactericidal activity than 1 against methicillin‐resistant Staphilococcus Aureus (MRSA) being complex 4 the most promising compound showing a MIC value of 0.042 μmol/ml.