The copper(II) complexes with tetradentate Schiff base ligands: Synthesis, crystal structures, and computational studies

Mononuclear copper(II) Schiff base complexes, Cu(BrSal₂Pn) (I) and Cu(BrSal₂MePn) (II), where BrSal₂Pn = N,N′-bis(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)propane-1,3-diamine and BrSal₂MePn = N,N′-bis(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Also, the optimized geometries of them have been calculated using density functional theory method (B3LYP/6–31g). Obtained structural parameters are in agreement with the experimental data. The geometry around the copper atoms display a distorted square-planner structure by coordinating with two oxygen atoms from the phenols moieties and two nitrogen atoms from the imino groups of ligands and thus established three 6-membered rings.     

Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with ONNO asymmetric tetradentate Schiff base ligand: synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,theoretical calculations,DNA interaction and antimicrobial studies

A novel Schiff base, namely Z ‐3‐((2‐((E )‐(2‐hydroxynaphthyl)methylene)amino)‐5‐nitrophenylimino)‐1,3‐dihydroindin‐2‐one, was synthesized from the condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde and isatin with 4‐nitro‐o ‐phenylenediamine. It was structurally characterized on the basis of ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and infrared spectra and elemental analyses. In addition, Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the Schiff base ligand were prepared. The nature of bonding and the stereochemistry of the investigated complexes were elucidated using several techniques, including elemental analysis (C, H, N), Fourier transform infrared and electronic spectroscopies and molar conductivity. The thermal behaviours of the complexes were studied and kinetic–thermodynamic parameters were determined using the Coats–Redfern method. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311G++ (d, p) level of theory were carried out to explain the equilibrium geometry of the ligand. The optimized geometry parameters of the complexes were evaluated using LANL2DZ basis set. The total energy of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, Mullikan atomic charges, dipole moment and orientation are discussed. Moreover, the interaction of the metal complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was explored using electronic spectra, viscosity measurements and gel electrophoresis. The experimental evidence indicated that the two complexes could strongly bind to CT‐DNA via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of the investigated Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with CT‐DNA were 1.02 × 10⁶ and 2.15 × 10⁶ M⁻¹, respectively, which are higher than that of the standard ethidium bromide. Furthermore, the bio‐efficacy of the ligand and its complexes was examined in vitro against the growth of bacteria and fungi to evaluate the antimicrobial potential. Based on the obtained results, the prepared complexes have promise for use as drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nickel(II) complex with an asymmetric tetradentate Schiff base ligand: synthesis,characterization, crystal structure,and DFT studies

Abstract

A new asymmetric tetradentate Schiff base, bis(5-methoxysalicylidene)-4-methylbenzene-1,2-diamine), H₂L, and its Ni(II) complex were prepared and characterized using elemental analyses (CHN), FTIR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopic techniques, and crystal structures of both were determined by X-ray crystallography. For both ligand and Ni(II) complex, density functional theory calculations to find geometry parameters, IR frequencies, electronic properties, and natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) were done with M062X method and Def2-TZVP basis set. All calculated data are consistent with the experiments. NBO data for the Ni(II) complex show that the main type of transition in UV-Vis is interligand charge-transfer, which is assigned as π-π*.     

Synthesis,characterization, and spectroscopic studies of tetradentate Schiff base chromium(III) complexes

Eight chromium(III) complexes of tetradentate Schiff bases have been prepared in situ by condensing of a substituted salicylaldehyde compound with ethylenediamine. These were characterized by elemental analysis, m.p., IR, molar conductivity, magnetic moment measurements, and electronic spectra. The free ligands were also characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. The ¹³C NMR spectra are discussed in terms of possible substituent effects. The IR and electronic spectra of the free ligand and the complexes are compared and discussed. The electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of four free ligands and their complexes were measured. The deconvolution of the visible spectra of the complexes, C_2v symmetry, in DMSO yields three peaks at ca. 15 600–17 600, 18 400–20 400 and 20 000–23 100, and are assigned to the three d–d transitions, ⁴B_1g → ⁴E_g(⁴T_2g); ⁴B_1g → ⁴B_2g(⁴T_2g); ⁴B_1g → ⁴E_g(⁴T_1g), respectively. The complexes showed magnetic moment in the range of 3.5–4.2 BM which corresponds to three unpaired electrons.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of mixed ligand ruthenium(II) chiral Schiff base complexes with nitrogen donors

Summary Mixed ligand complexes (1)-(18) of composition [RuL-(PPh₃)Y] and [RuL(PPh₃)(H₂O)Y]^- (L = chiral Schiff bases derived from l-alanine, l-valine, l-serine, l-cystein, l-arginine or l-aspartic acid with salicylaldehyde; Y = azide, 2,2-bipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline) have been prepared and characterized by microanalysis, spectroscopy and polarography. The conformational aspects regarding the relationship of the asymmetric carbon atom to the nitrogen donors around the Ru^II are discussed. All complexes showed quasi-reversible c.v. behaviour and the redox potentials of the Ru^II/Ru^I couple lie in the -0.31 to-0.16 V range.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and thermal studies of some rare earth metal complexes of unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligand

The solid complexes of La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III) and Gd(III) with 4-hydroxy-3-(1-{2-(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-aminophenylimino}-thyl)-6-methy-pyran-2-one (H₂L) derived from o-phenylenediamine, 3-acetyl-6-methyl-(2H)pyran,2,4(3H)-dione (dehydroacetic acid or DHA) and salicylic aldehyde have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductometry, magnetic susceptibility, UV–visible, FTIR, ¹H NMR spectra, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis and screened for antimicrobial activity. The FTIR spectral data suggest that the ligand behaves as a dibasic tetradentate ligand with ONNO donar atoms sequence towards central metal ion. From the microanalytical data, the stoichiometry of the complexes has been found to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). The physico-chemical data suggest distorted octahedral geometry for La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III) and Gd(III) complexes. The X-ray diffraction data suggest monoclinic crystal system for La(III) and Ce(III) and orthorhombic crystal system for Pr(III) and Nd(III) complexes. Thermal behaviour (TGA/DTA) of the complexes was studied and kinetic parameters were determined by Horowitz–Metzger and Coats–Redfern methods. The ligand and their metal complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp. Fungicidal activity against Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma and Fusarium oxysporum.     

Synthesis,X-ray crystal structures,and antibacterial activities of Schiff base nickel(II) complexes with similar tetradentate Schiff bases

Two new mononuclear complexes, [NiL¹] · CH₃OH (I) and [NiL²] (II), have been prepared from the tetradentate Schiff bases N,N'-bis(5-methylsalicylidene)ethylenediamine (H₂L¹) and N,N'-bis(5-methylsalicylidene)- o-phenylenediamine (H₂L₂), respectively. The complexes have been characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods, as well as single-crystal X-ray determination (CIF files nos. 1428969 (I), 1428968 (II)). Complex I crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 6.7387(14), b = 10.7010(17), c = 12.681(2) Å, α = 87.059(2)°, β = 88.828(2)°, γ = 89.901(2)°, V = 913.0(3) ų, Z = 2. Complex II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 12.1437(11), b = 8.0537(8), c = 18.4545(18) Å, β = 105.088(2)°, V = 1742.7(3) ų, Z = 4. The nickel atoms in the complexes are coordinated by two phenolate O and two imine N atoms of the tetradentate Schiff base ligands, forming square planar coordination. The complexes and the Schiff base compounds were assayed for antibacterial activities against three Gram-positive bacterial strains (B. subtilis, S. aureus, and St. faecalis) and three Gram-negative bacterial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. cloacae) by MTT method. As a result, the complexes showed effective antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested.     

A new oxidovanadium(IV) Schiff base complex containing asymmetric tetradentate ONN'O' Schiff base ligand: Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure determination,thermal study and catalytic activity

After synthesis of an asymmetric tetradentate ONN''O'' Schiff base ligand (H2L) followed by reaction of the synthesized H2L with an equimolar mixture of methanolic solutions of the VO(acac)2, a new oxidovanadium(IV) Schiff base complex (VOL) was synthesized. The Schiff base ligand and its complex were characterized by FT-IR and UV-vis spectra and C, H, N analysis. The crystal structure of VOL was also determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The VOL complex crystallizes in monoclinic space group Cc. The Schiff base ligand acts as a tetradentate ligand through its two iminic nitrogens and two phenolic and acetylacetonate oxygens. Thermogravimetric analysis of the VOL showed that it decomposes in two steps and converts to mixed vanadium oxides at 477℃. In addition, thermal decomposition of the VOL complex in air at 660℃ leads to formation of V2O5 nanoparticles with the average size estimated from XRD 49 nm. The catalytic activity of the VOL complex was investigated in the epoxidation reaction and different reaction parameters were optimized. The results showed that the cyclic alkenes were efficiently converted to the corresponding epoxides, whereas the VOL did not appreciably convert the linear alkenes.     

The manganese(III) complex with chelating Schiff base ligand: X-ray structure,spectroscopic and computational studies

A new Mn(III) complex, [MnCl(H₂O)(L)]·H₂O·C₂H₅OH, where L = 2,2′-{1,2-phenylenebis[nitrilomethylylidene]}bis(6-methoxyphenolate), has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. There is a good agreement between calculated and experimental structural data. The complex is crystallized in orthorhombic with space group Pbca. The Mn1 atom is coordinated with one Schiff base ligand, one water molecule and one chloride anion, forming a six-coordination number. The electronic and fluorescence spectra of the complex were also studied.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and photoluminescence studies of manganese(II), cobalt(II), cadmium(II), zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes with a pyrazole derived Schiff base ligand

Varying coordination modes of the Schiff base ligand H₂L [5-methyl-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidene)-hydrazide] towards different metal centers are reported with the syntheses and characterization of four mononuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes, [Mn(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂(MeOH) (1), [Co(H₂L)(NCS)₂] (2), [Cd(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) and [Zn(H₂L)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), and a binuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu₂(L)₂](ClO₄)₂ (5). In the complexes 1-4 the neutral ligand serves as a 3N,2O donor where the pyridine ring N, two azomethine N and two carbohydrazine oxygen atoms are coordinatively active, leaving the pyrazole-N atoms inactive. In the case of complex 5, each ligand molecule behaves as a 4N,O donor utilizing the pyridine N, one azomethine N, the nitrogen atom proximal to the azomethine of the remaining pendant arm and one pyrazole-N atom to one metal center and the carbohydrazide oxygen atom to the second metal center. The complexes 1-4 are pentagonal bipyramidal in geometry. In each case, the ligand molecule spans the equatorial plane while the apical positions are occupied by water molecules in 1, 3 and 4 and two N bonded thiocyanate ions in 2. In complex 5, the two Cu(II) centers have almost square pyramidal geometry (τ = 0.05 for Cu1 and 0.013 for Cu2). Four N atoms from a ligand molecule form the basal plane and the carbohydrazide oxygen atom of a second ligand molecule sits in the apex of the square pyramid. All the complexes have been X-ray crystallographically characterized. The Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes show considerable fluorescence emission while the remaining complexes and the ligand molecule are fluorescent silent.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric studies of Cu(II) Schiff base complexes of pyridoxal

Two mononuclear Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹H₂)](ClO₄)_1.25Cl_0.75·1.25H₂O (1) and [Cu(L²H₂)](ClO₄)₂ (2), of the pyridoxal Schiff base ligands N,N′-dipyridoxylethylenediimine (L¹H₂) and N,N′-dipyridoxyl-1,3-propanediimine (L²H₂) are reported. X-ray crystal structures of both complexes are also reported. In both complexes the pyridoxal nitrogen atoms remain protonated. In the solid state, the tetradentate Schiff base ligand is virtually planar in 1, while in 2 the ligand conformation is like an inverted umbrella. In cyclic voltammetry experiments it is found that in these complexes the Cu(III) and Cu(I) states are more easily accessible than in their salen type analogs. The pyridoxal Schiff base complexes are also found to be resistant to oxidative electro-polymerization, unlike their corresponding salicyl aldehyde Schiff base complexes.     

Redox and antimicrobial studies of transition metal(II) tetradentate Schiff base complexes

Neutral tetradentate chelate complexes of Cu^II, Ni^II, Co^II, Mn^II, Zn^II and VO^II have been prepared in EtOH using Schiff bases derived from acetoacetanilido-4-aminoantipyrine and 2-aminophenol/2-aminothiophenol. Microanalytical data, magnetic susceptibility, i.r., u.v.–vis., ¹H-n.m.r. and e.s.r. spectral techniques were used to confirm the structures of the chelates. Electronic absorption and i.r. spectra of the complexes suggest a square-planar geometry around the central metal ion, except for VO^II and Mn^II complexes which have square-pyramidal and octahedral geometry respectively. The cyclic voltammetric data for the Cu^II complexes in MeCN show two waves for copper(II) copper(III) and copper(II) copper(I) couples, whereas the VO^II complexes in MeCN show two waves for vanadium(IV) vanadium(V) and vanadium(IV) vanadium(III) couples. The e.s.r. spectra of the Cu^II, VO^II and Mn^II complexes were recorded in DMSO solution and their salient features reported. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the investigated compounds was tested against the microorganisms such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Rhizoctonia bataicola. Most of the metal chelates have higher antimicrobial activity than the free ligands.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of some cadmium(II) complexes with three polyamine and corresponding macroacyclic Schiff base ligands

Three Cd(II) macroacyclic Schiff base complexes [CdL⁴(NO₃)₂] (4), [CdL⁵(NO₃)₂] (5), [CdL⁶(NO₃)₂] (6) were prepared by template condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde with N1-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N1-(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L¹), N1-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N1-(2-aminoethyl)propane-1,3-diamine (L²) or N1-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N1-(3-aminopropyl)propane-1,3-diamine (L³), in the presence of cadmium metal ion, respectively. Three Cd(II) complexes with L¹, L² and L³ were also synthesized. All complexes have been studied with IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC and microanalysis. Two of these complexes, [CdL⁴(NO₃)₂] (4) and [CdL¹(NO₃)₂] (1) have been characterized through X-ray crystallography. In complex 4, the Cd is in a six-coordinate environment comprised of the ligand N₄-donor set and two oxygen atoms of two nitrate groups. In the polyamine complexes (1, 2 and 3) Cd and ligand are in a ratio of 1:1. Supporting ab initio HF-MO calculations have been undertaken using the standard 3-21G^∗ and 6-31G^∗ basis sets.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and characterization of manganese(III) complex containing a tetradentate Schiff base

N,N′-bis((2-hydroxyphenyl)(phenyl)methylidene)propane-1,2-diaminato-N,N′,O,O′)-(nitrato-O)-manganese(III) methanol solvate ([Mn(C₂₉H₂₄N₂O₂)(NO₃)CH₃OH]) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis, TG–FTIR, TG/DSC, molar conductivity, magnetic moment measurement and single crystal X-ray analysis. In the structure, the Mn(III) ion adopts a distorted octahedral geometry with two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms from the Schiff base ligand in the equatorial plane, and the nitrate ion and methanol molecule in the axial position. The effects of organic solvents of various polarities on the UV–Vis spectra of the ligand and complex were investigated. The manganese(III) complex is easily dissolved in organic polar aprotic solvents and has moderate solubility in organic polar protic solvents.     

Synthesis,structures, and property studies on Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with a Schiff base ligand containing thiocarbamide group

A Schiff base ligand containing thiocarbamide group of 4-phenyl-1-(4-methoxyl-1-phenylethylidene)thiosemicarbazide (HL) and its three mononuclear metal complexes of ZnL₂ (1), NiL₂ (2), and CuL₂ (3) have been synthesized. Elemental analysis, IR, and X-ray single crystal diffraction characterizations for the ligand and the three complexes have been carried out. In the three complexes, the central metallic ions of Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ coordinate with two deprotonated ligands of L⁻, respectively. In 1, Zn²⁺ ion adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry, while in 2 and 3, both the Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions possess distorted square planar configurations. For the four compounds, UV–Vis spectra have been measured and DFT calculations at B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory prove that the electronic spectra of HL and 1 are corresponding with electronic transitions of n → π* and π → π* in the ligand itself and the electronic spectra of 2 and 3 are attributed to intraligand electronic transitions as well as d–d electronic transitions. Electrochemical investigations reveal that the different metal–ligand interactions have changed the peak shapes and peak locations, which are corresponding with the DFT-B3LYP/LANL2DZ calculational results. Fluorescence spectra measurements indicate that the ligand emits purple fluorescence and the complex 1 emits stronger blue fluorescence, while the complexes 2 and 3 quench fluorescence. The thermal analyses result show that the three complexes undergo two similar decomposition processes because of their similar geometric configurations.     

Synthesis,spectral, electrochemical and catalytic studies of new Ru(III) tetradentate Schiff base complexes

The synthesis and characterization of several hexa‐coordinated ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes of the type [RuX(EPh₃)(L)] (X = Cl or Br; E = P or As; L = dianion of the tetradentate Schiff base) are reported. IR, EPR, electronic spectra and cyclic voltammetric data of the complexes are discussed. An octahedral geometry has been tentatively proposed for all of these complexes. The new complexes have been subjected to catalytic activity in the reaction of oxidation of alcohols in the presence of N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and electrochemical properties of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with two unsymmetrical N2O2 Schiff base ligands

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of two unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligands [Ni(Me-salabza)] (1), [Cu(Me-salabza)] (2) and [Ni(salabza)] (3), {H₂salabza = N,N′-bis[(salicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine] and H₂Me-salabza = N,N′-bis[(methylsalicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine]}, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 complexes have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both copper(II) and nickel(II) ions adopt a distorted square planar geometry in [Cu(Me-salabza)] and [Ni(salabza)] complexes. The cyclic voltammetric studies of these complexes in dichloromethane indicate the electronic effects of the methyl groups on redox potential.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new Schiff base ligand and its cobalt(II) complex

The crystal structures of cobalt(II) Schiff base complex (Co^IIL₂ · H₂O) and Schiff base ligand 3,5-dichlorosalicylidene-2-chlorophenylmethylamine (HL) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The geometry around cobalt in Co^IIL₂ · H₂O is distorted tetrahedral. Co^IIL₂ · H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic system, in space group C2/c, with crystallographic parameters: a = 12.9143(16) Å, b = 8.8326(16) Å, c = 25.115(3) Å, β = 92.791(10)°, V = 2861.4(7) ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 1420, and the final R indices (I > 2σ(I)) are R ₁ = 0.0440, wR ₂ = 0.1272. HL crystallizes in the monoclinic system, in space group P2₁/c, with crystallographic parameters: a = 11.9764(15), b = 8.2331(10), c = 14.2211(17) Å, β = 98.723(6)°, V = 1386.0(3) ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 640, and the final R indices (I > 2σ(I)) are R ₁ = 0.0397, wR ₂ = 0.1018.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of mononuclear mixed ligand Schiff base complexes of Cu(II) involving conjugated heterocyclic nitrogen base and N-phOHA or N-phDHA

Mononuclear complexes of Cu(II) have been prepared by reacting a 1:1:1 molar ratio of N- phOHA or N-phDHA, dipy or phen and cupric chloride where, N-phOHA = N-phenyl-O-hydroxyacetophenonimine, N-phDHA = N-phenyl-2,4-dihydroxy acetophenonimine, dipy = 2,2′-bipyridil, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline. All complexes were characterized on the basis of their microanalysis data, molar conductance, magnetic moment at room temperature, UV-Vis, IR, ¹H NMR, and ESR spectra. The monomeric and ionic nature of complexes was confirmed by their magnetic moment data and molar conductance values. The ESR spectra of metal chelates in polycrystalline and solution state at 300 K and 77 K were recorded and their silent features are reported. The ESR spectra of the metal chelates provided information about their structure on the basis of Hamiltonian parameters of the complexes and also degree of covalency.     

Dinuclear Zn(II) and tetranuclear Co(II) complexes of a tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base ligand: Synthesis,crystal structure,characterization, DFT studies,cytotoxicity evaluation,and catalytic activity toward benzyl alcohol oxidation

Two novel dinuclear Zn(II) and tetranuclear Co(II) complexes of a tetradentate N₂O₂ Schiff base ligand (H₂ L = N,N′-bis-(4-hydroxysalicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane) were prepared. The structures of the H₂ L ligand, [4(Zn₂ L (μ-O₂CCH₃)(O₂CCH₃)(H₂O))]⋅4CH₃OH⋅3H₂O (complex 1 ) and [Co₄ L ₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₂(O₂CCH₃)₂]⋅2H₂O (complex 2 ) were unambiguously characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that two Zn(II) nuclei of 1 were connected through μ-phenolato and μ-acetato bridges and had distorted square pyramidal and distorted octahedral coordination geometries. Four Co(II) nuclei of 2 , on the contrary, showed a Co₄O₄ cubane-like configuration in which Co(II) cations and O atoms were located at alternating corners of a distorted cube. Density functional theory studies at the B3LYP/6–31 G(d) level were carried out to gain an insight into the thermodynamic stability of the complexes. in vitro cytotoxicity of the ligand and the complexes were evaluated using the MTT assay against breast cancer MCF7 cells, melanoma cancer A375 cells, and prostate cancer PC3 cells as representative human cancer cell lines. Complex 1 showed a remarkable activity against A375 and PC3 cancer cell lines. In addition, 1 and 2 were used as precursors to produce zinc and cobalt oxide nanoparticles via pyrolysis technique. The resulting ZnO and Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Then, these nanoparticles were used as heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. Both catalysts showed good recyclability with a negligible decrease in their efficiency during four catalytic cycles. The results of theoretical calculations showed that the most stable product was benzaldehyde, which is in good agreement with the obtained experimental results.