Recent Advances in the Schiff Bases and N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes as Ligands in the Cross‐Coupling Reactions: A Comprehensive Review

Cross‐coupling reactions, namely, the Suzuki–Miyaura, Heck, Sonogashira, Hiyama, Negishi, Kumada, and Hartwig–Buchwald, are the most powerful approaches in the formation of C–C, C–N, C–O, and C–S bonds for the complex organic scaffolds in drugs, natural products, organic materials, and fine chemicals. The nitrogen‐based ligands have upper hands in these reactions because they are air stable, inexpensive, and easier to handle than the phosphorous counterparts. In this perspective, Schiff bases and N‐heterocyclic carbenes have been explored extensively in terms of novel design and preparation as ligands in the coupling reactions. Facile recovery and reusability of these ligands make them eco‐friendly and economical. A comprehensive outline on the progress in Schiff bases–metal complexes and NHC–metal complexes that mediated cross‐coupling reactions with recent examples highlighted is reported (160 references).     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of new organotin(IV) complexes with tridentate N- and O-donor Schiff bases

The Schiff bases H₂L¹ and H₂L² have been prepared by the reaction of 2-amino-4-chlorophenol with pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphtaldehyde, respectively, and HL³ from reaction of 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine with 2-hydroxy-1-naphtaldehyde. Organotin complexes [SnPh₂(L¹)] (1), [SnPh₂(L²)] (2), [SnMe₂(L²)] (3) and [SnPhCl₂(L³)] (4) were synthesized from reaction of SnPh₂Cl₂ and SnMe₂Cl₂ with these Schiff bases. The synthesized complexes have been investigated by elemental analysis and FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. In complexes the Schiff bases are completely deprotonated and coordinated to tin as tridentate ligands via phenolic oxygen, pyrrolic, and imine nitrogens in 1, two phenolic oxygens and imine nitrogen in 2 and 3, and phenolic oxygen, imine and pyridine nitrogens in 4. The coordination number of tin in 1, 2, and 3 is five and in 4 is six.     

First synthesis of 1,1-ferrocene bis-aminophosphonic esters

The series of aminophosphonates bearing the 1,1^′-bis-substituted ferrocenyl moiety was obtained by the addition of dialkyl phosphites to an azomethine bond of Schiff bases derived from 1,1^′-ferrocene-bis-carboxaldehyde. This addition led to both diastereoisomeric forms demonstrating its behaviour to be contrary to the addition to terephthalic Schiff bases, which led exclusively to a meso-form.     

α-Pinene-type chiral Schiff bases as tridentate ligands in asymmetric addition reactions

A group of tridentate Schiff bases derived from (+)-α-pinene were synthesized. The steric effects in the transition state, the importance of π-π stacking interactions as well as the electronic effects of aryl aldehydes according to Hammett constant values in the enantioselective addition of Et₂Zn to aldehydes with the use of Schiff bases as chiral ligands are described. Also, a variety of aldehydes were cyanated using a catalyst prepared in situ from titanium tetraisopropoxide and chiral Schiff bases. The influence of a conjugated double-bond in the cyanation substrates on enantioselectivity was observed. The chemical structures of the chiral Schiff base-titanium alkoxide complexes are discussed based on their ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. 3D models of the Zn₂-complex catalyst and Ti-complex catalyst containing α-pinane-type Schiff bases based on X-ray diffraction experiments are postulated. The models presented were consistent with the reported chirality of the addition product and observed ee.     

Synthesis,characterization, antibacterial,and thermal studies of unsymmetrical Schiff-base complexes of cobalt(II)

Cobalt(II) complexes of a new series of unsymmetrical Schiff bases have been synthesized and characterized by their elemental analyses, melting points, magnetic susceptibility, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared (IR), and electronic spectral measurements. The purity of the ligands and the metal complexes are confirmed by microanalysis, while the unsymmetrical nature of the ligands was further corroborated by ¹H-NMR. Comparison of the IR spectra of the Schiff bases and their metal complexes confirm that the Schiff bases are tetradentate and coordinated via N₂O₂ chromophore. The magnetic moments and electronic spectral data support square-planar geometry for the cobalt(II) complexes. The complexes were thermally stable to 372.3°C and their thermal decomposition was generally via the partial loss of the organic moiety. The Schiff bases and their complexes were screened for in vitro antibacterial activities against 10 human pathogenic bacteria and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Both the free ligands and cobalt(II) complexes exhibit antibacterial activities against some strains of the microorganisms, which in a number of cases were comparable with, or higher than, that of chloramphenicol.     

Synthesis of di‐nitrogen Schiff base complexes of methyltrioxorhenium(VII) and their application in epoxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidant

Several di‐nitrogen Schiff bases were synthesized through the condensation of 2‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde with primary amines. The Schiff bases as ligands coordinated with methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) smoothly to afford the correspondent complexes which were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. One of the complexes was analyzed by X‐ray crystallography as well. The results revealed that the complexes display distorted octahedral geometry in the solid state with a trans‐position of Schiff base. Catalytic results indicated that the complexes as catalysts increased the selectivity of epoxides remarkably compared with MTO in the epoxidation of alkenes with 30% hydrogen peroxide as oxidant and the increasing rate depended on the structure of the Schiff base ligands of the complexes. The results indicated that the stronger the donating ability of the ligand, the higher selectivity of epoxides the complex gave in the epoxidation of alkenes with 30% hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from 3,4-dimethyl-Δ3-tetrahydrobenzaldehyde and 4,6-dimethyl-Δ3-tetrahydrobenzaldehyde and glycene

The Schiff bases derived from 3,4-dimethyl-Δ³-tetrahydrobenzaldehyde or 4,6-dimethyl-Δ³-tetrahydrobenzaldehyde and glycine and their complexes with nickel (II) and copper (II) were synthesized and investigated. All compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Schiff base ligands and their complexes were further characterized by ¹H NMR. The results suggest that the Schiff base acts as a bidentate ligand, which bonds to the metal ions through the imino nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen. The potassium salts of the Schiff bases are 1 : 1 electrolytes but all the complexes are nonelectrolytes. The article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological studies of Co<Superscript>II</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>II</Superscript>, Cu<Superscript>II</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>II</Superscript> complexes of Schiff bases derived from 4-substituted carbostyrils[quinolin2(1H)-ones]

Schiff bases derived from 4-aminomethylcarbostyril and their transition metal complexes with Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibilities electronic, IR, PMR, ESR, FAB-Mass and thermal studies. From the above spectral studies it is concluded that the ligands of 4-substituted carbostyril Schiff bases, viz, salicylidene 4-aminomethylcarbostyril (SAMC); o-vanillinsalicylidene 4-aminomethylcarbostyril (VAMC) and 5′ chlorosalicylidene 4-aminomethylcarbostyril (CSAMC) act as bidenate molecules coordinating through azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. The ligands and their metal complexes have been screened in vitro for antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activity. The results indicate that the biological activity increases on complexation. The Cu^II complexes of the above ligands show greater inhibitory action towards the P388/s tumor cells at lower concentrations.     

New Schiff Bases Containing Silicon and Their Co(II) and Cu(II) Complexes: Synthesis,Complexation, Characterization,and Antimicrobial and Electrochemical Properties

Two novel Schiff base ligands, 4-((3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylimino)methyl)benzene– 1,2,3-triol (L¹H) and 4-((3-(triethoxysilyl)propylimino)methyl)benzene–1,2,3-triol (L²H), have been synthesized by the reaction of 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, respectively. The mononuclear Co^II and Cu^II complexes of these Schiff bases were prepared. The complexes of the Schiff bases are formed by coordination of N, O atoms of the ligands. The proposed structures were confirmed by elemental analyses, FT-IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and conductance measurements; the ¹H NMR spectra of the ligands were also recorded. The analytical data show that the metal to ligand ratio in the complexes containing silicon is 1:2. The electrochemical properties of the complexes have been investigated at 100 mVs^?1 scan rate in DMSO. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of L¹H and L²H Schiff ligands, and their [M(L¹)2] and [M(L²)2] type coordination compounds, were investigated.     

Synthesis and characterization of biologically active new Schiff bases containing 3‐functionalized 1,2,4‐triazoles and their zinc(II) complexes: crystal structure of 4‐bromo‐2‐[(E)‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ylimino)‐ methyl]phenol

Biologically active triazole Schiff bases ( L ¹  L ³ ) derived from the reaction of 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole with chloro‐, bromo‐ and nitro‐ substituted salicylaldehydes and their Zn(II) complexes (1–3) have been synthesized and characterized by their physical, spectral and analytical data. Triazole Schiff bases potentially act as tridentate ligands and coordinate with the Zn(II) metal atom through salicylidene‐O, azomethine‐N and triazole‐N. The complexes have the general formula [M(L‐H)₂], where M = zinc(II) and L = ( L ¹ – L ³ ), and observe an octahedral geometry. The Schiff bases and their Zn(II) complexes have been screened for in‐vitro antibacterial, antifungal and brine shrimp bioassay. The biological activity data show the Zn(II) complexes to be more potent antibacterial and antifungal than the parent simple Schiff bases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biocidal and catalytic efficiency of ruthenium(III) complexes with tridentate Schiff base ligands

The reaction of the Schiff bases (obtained by condensing isatin with o‐aminophenol/o‐aminothiophenol/o‐aminobenzoic acid) with [RuX₃(EPh₃)₃] (where X = Cl/Br; E = P/As) in benzene afforded new, air‐stable Ru(III) complexes of the general formula [Ru(L)X(EPh₃)₂] (L = dianion of tridentate Schiff bases). In all these reactions, the Schiff base ligand replaces one triphenylphosphine/triphenylarsine and two chlorides/bromides from the ruthenium precursors. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (FT–IR, UV–vis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR for the ligands, and EPR) and electrochemical studies. All the metal complexes exhibit characteristic LMCT absorption bands in the visible region. The catalytic reactivity proved these complexes to be efficient catalysts in the oxidation of alcohols and C? C coupling. All the complexes were screened for their biocidal efficiency against bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli and fungi such as Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus niger at 0.25, 0.50 and 1% concentrations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,stereochemistry, and spectroscopic characterization of [Rh(η4-cod){(R)-2-(X-benzaldimine)-2-phenylethanol-κ 2 N,O}](acetate) (X = H; 2,4-dimethoxy)

Condensation of X-benzaldehyde with (R)-2-amino-2-phenylethanol gives the enantiopure Schiff bases (R)-2-(X-benzaldimine)-2-phenylethanol (X?=?H, HL1; 2,4-dimethoxy, HL2). The Schiff bases coordinate with dinuclear [Rh(η⁴-cod)(µ-O₂CCH₃)]₂ to afford the cationic complexes [Rh(η⁴-cod){(R)-2-(benzaldimine)-2-phenylethanol-κ ² N,O}](acetate), [Rh(η⁴-cod)(HL1)](ac) (1) and [Rh(η⁴-cod){(R)-2-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzaldimine)-2-phenylethanol-κ ² N,O}](acetate), [Rh(η⁴-cod)(HL2)](ac) (2), respectively. The Schiff bases and complexes are isolated as solids in good yields and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H/¹³C-NMR, mass spectroscopy, and polarimetry.     

Iron(III) Complexes of Tetradentate SCHIFF Bases

The iron(III) complexes of the Schiff bases derived from 1,3-diaminopropane-2-ol and salicylaldehyde (SBH₂), 3-aldehydosalicylic acid (SB′H₂) and acetylacetone (SB″H₂) have been isolated in the pure state and characterized. The structures of these complexes are discussed on the basis of elemental analyses, molecular weights, conductivities and magnetic susceptibilities. The Schiff bases behave as bivalent, tetradentate ligands. Room temperature (30°C) magnetic moments observed for these chelate compounds are lower than the spinonly value for high-spin d⁵ system.     

New complexes of Ni(II) and Cu(II) with Schiff bases functionalised with 1,3,4-thiadiazole: spectral,magnetic, biological and thermal characterisation

Schiff bases obtained by the condensation of 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole with 2,4-pentandione or 1-phenyl-1,3-butandione were synthesized and characterized in order to obtain polydentate ligands HL¹ and HL², respectively. The complexes with these ligands of the type M(L)Cl·nH₂O [(1) M:Ni, L:L¹, n = 0.5; (3) M:Ni, L:L², n = 0.5]; [(2) M:Cu, L:L¹, n = 1; (4) M:Cu, L:L², n = 0] were also synthesized and characterized. The modifications evidenced in IR spectra of complexes were correlated with the presence of monodeprotonate Schiff bases. The electronic spectra display the characteristic pattern of square-planar stereochemistry. The in vitro qualitative and quantitative antimicrobial activity assays showed that the new complexes exhibited variable antimicrobial activity. The thermal analyses have evidenced the thermal intervals of stability and also the thermodynamic effects that accompany them. Schiff bases and complexes have a similar thermal behaviour. Processes as water elimination, melting, chloride anion removal as well as oxidative degradation of the organic ligands were observed.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization and biological studies of transition metal(II) complexes with triazole Schiff bases

New metal based triazoles (1–12) have been synthesized by the interaction of novel Schiff base ligands (L¹–L³) with the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions. The Schiff base ligands and their all metal(II) complexes have been thoroughly characterized using various physical, analytical and spectroscopic techniques. In vitro bacterial and fungal inhibition studies were carried out to examine the antibacterial and antifungal profile of the Schiff bases in comparison to their metal(II) complexes against two Gram‐positive, four Gram‐negative and six fungal strains. The bioactivity data showed the metal(II) complexes to have more potent antibacterial and antifungal activity than their uncomplexed parent Schiff bases against one or more bacterial and fungal species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,spectroscopic, and biological studies on Cu(II) complexes of N,O donor dimethyl isoxazole Schiff bases

Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases DMIIMP, DMIIMBD, DMIIMBP, DMIIMCP, DMIIMMP, and DMIIMNP (see Introduction for definitions) are derived from condensation of 3,4-dimethyl 5-amino-isoxazole with salicylaldehyde and substituted salicylaldehydes. The newly synthesized ligands were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The Cu(II) complexes were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, ESR, elemental analysis, magnetic moments, thermogram, DTA, and single crystal analysis. The complexes have general formula [M(L)₂]. The Schiff bases are bidentate coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen of salicylaldehydes. Based on the analytical and spectral data, four-coordinate geometry is assigned for all the complexes. ESR and single crystal analysis suggests square planar geometry for all complexes. [Cu(DMIIMP)₂] crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Antimicrobial studies of Schiff bases and their metal complexes show significant activity with the metal complexes showing more activity than corresponding Schiff bases. Cytotoxicity of the copper complexes on human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) was measured using the Methyl Thiazole Tetrazolium assay.     

Organotin (IV) complexes derived from tridentate Schiff base ligands: Synthesis,spectroscopic analysis,antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

Organotin complexes of Schiff bases (derived from the condensation of hydrazides with salicylaldehyde derivatives) were prepared and their characterization was done using several spectroscopic techniques like FTIR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹⁹Sn) and mass spectrometry. The spectroscopic data of the ligands and their corresponding complexes revealed that the Schiff bases chelated to the tin metal in a tridentate manner through –ONO atoms (oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group of the salicylaldehydic derivatives, the nitrogen atom of azomethine group, and the oxygen atom of enolic group present in the carboxylic acid hydrazides). Around tin atom pentacoordinated geometry was exhibited. The synthesized ligands and their complexes have been assessed for their biological potency (antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant using Ciprofloxacin, Fluconazole and Ascorbic acid as reference compounds) and few of the compounds showed optimistic activity. The ligands having electron withdrawing group attached showed greater antimicrobial activity as compared to the other ligands. The complexes showed the better activity than the ligands. The general trend followed by the complexes was diphenyl ?> ?dibutyl ?> ?dimethyl substituted complexes. Compound 11 was the most active against microbes. The antioxidant activity increased with electron donating group. The phenyl substituted complexes showed better activity as compared to the dibutyl and dimethyl substituted complexes. Compound 20 was the best antioxidant.     

Synthesis,spectral studies,and antimicrobial activity of binary and ternary Cu(II), Ni(II), and Fe(III) complexes of new hexadentate Schiff bases derived from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol and amino acids

Two new hexadentate N₂O₄ donor Schiff bases, H₄L¹ and H₄L², were synthesized by condensation of 4,6-diacetylresorcinol with glycine and alanine, respectively. The structures of the ligands were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, electronic, and mass spectra. Reactions of the Schiff bases with copper(II), nickel(II), and iron(III) nitrates in 1 : 2 molar ratio gave binuclear metal complexes and, in the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) or 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) as secondary ligands (L′), mixed-ligand complexes in two molar ratios 1 : 2 : 2 and 1 : 2 : 1 (L¹/L² : M : L′). The complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, IR, electronic, mass, and ESR spectral studies, as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The spectroscopic data reveal that the Schiff-base ligands were dibasic or tetrabasic hexadentate ligands. The coordination sites with the metal ions are two azomethine nitrogens, two oxygens of phenolic groups, and two oxygens of carboxylic groups. Copper(II) complexes were octahedral and square planar while nickel(II) and iron(III) complexes were octahedral. The Schiff bases, H₄L¹ and H₄L², and some of their metal complexes showed antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas phaseolicola) bacteria and antifungal activity towards the fungi Fusarium oxysporium and Aspergillus fumigatus.     

Titanium (IV) complexes of some tetra‐dentate symmetrical bis‐Schiff bases of 1,6‐hexanediamine: Synthesis,characterization, and in silico prediction of potential inhibitor against coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2)

Symmetrical bis‐Schiff bases (LH ₂) have been synthesized by the condensation of 1,6‐hexanediamine (hn) and carbonyl or dicarbonyl. One of the synthesized Schiff bases has been subjected to the molecular docking for the prediction of their potentiality against coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). Molecular docking revealed that tested Schiff base possessed high binding affinity with the receptor protein of SARS CoV‐2 compared with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The ADMET analysis showed that ligand is non‐carcinogenic and less toxic than standard HCQ. Schiff bases acting as dibasic tetra‐dentate ligands formed titanium (IV) complexes of the type [TiL(H₂O)₂Cl₂] or [TiL(H₂O)₂]Cl₂ being coordinated through ONNO donor atoms. Ligands and complexes were characterized by the elemental analysis and physicochemical and spectroscopic data including FTIR, ¹H NMR, mass spectra, UV‐Visible spectra, molar conductance, and magnetic measurement. Optimized structures obtained from quantum chemical calculations supported the formation of complexes. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti‐oxidant activity assessments have been studied for synthesized ligands and complexes.     

Synthesis and characterization of new lead(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from amino acids

Some new lead(II) complexes of the general formula Pb(L)₂, where HL = Schiff bases derived from the condensation of isatin and chloroisatin with phenylalanine (HL¹/HL⁴), isoleucine (HL²/HL⁵), and glycine (HL³/HL⁶), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic, infrared, and multinuclear magnetic resonance (¹H and ¹³C) studies. In all cases, the Pb atom is in a four-coordinated environment with two bidentate deprotonated Schiff bases binding as monoanionic ligands through the oxygen and azomethine nitrogen. The 3D molecular modeling and analysis for bond lengths and bond angles have also been carried out for one of the representative compounds, [Pb(L³)₂] to substantiate the proposed structures.