Synthesis,characterization and antimicrobial activity of a new macrocycle and its transition metal complexes

The semicarbazone (L¹) has been prepared by reaction of semicarbazide and glutaraldehyde (2 : 1) in distilled water and methanol (1 : 1). The reaction of semicarbazide, glutaraldehyde and diethyl oxalate in distilled water and methanol gave Schiff-base L², 1,2,4,7,9,10-hexaazacyclo-pentadeca-10,15-dien-3,5,6,8-tetraone. Complexes of first row transition metal ions Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have also been synthesized. The ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, IR, ¹H NMR, UV–Visible spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Molar conductance values show that the complexes of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Mn(II) and Co(II) are 1 : 2 electrolytes. On the basis of electronic spectral studies and molar conductance measurements an octahedral structure has been proposed for Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes, tetrahedral for Zn(II) complex and square planar for Ni(II) and Cu(II). The thermal behavior of the compounds, studied by TGA in a nitrogen atmosphere up to 800°C, reveal that the complexes have higher thermal stability than the macrocycle. All the synthesized compounds and standard drugs kanamycin (antibacterial) and miconazole (antifungal) have been screened against bacterial strains Staphylococcus areus, Escherichia coli and fungal strains Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger. The metal complexes inhibit growth of bacteria to a greater extent than the ligand.