Synthesis,spectral, thermal,and magnetic studies of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), and cadmium(II) complexes with N2O2 donor groups

A new Schiff base ligand was prepared by condensation of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde with 1,2-propanediamine. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, magnetic moment, molar conductance, UV-Vis, SEM and thermal analysis (TGA). The molar conductance measurements indicated that all the metal complexes were non-electrolytes. IR spectra showed that ligand (L) behaves as a neutral tetradentate ligand and binds to the metal ions by the two azomethine nitrogen atoms and two phenolic oxygen atoms. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated square planar geometry for the Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes while other metal complexes showed tetrahedral geometry. Also the surface morphology of the complexes was studied by SEM.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), palladium(II) and dioxouranium(VI) complexes of the antipyrine Schiff base of 3-formylsalicylic acid

A new Schiff base has been synthesized from 4-aminoantipyrine and 3-formylsalicylic acid. The ligand has a dianionic tetradentate compartmental OONO donor system. The cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and dioxouranium(VI) complexes exist in phenolato-bridged dinuclear species, while palladium(II) gives a mononuclear complex with free –COOH groups. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., u.v.-vis, thermal and magnetic measurements.     

Mononuclear and Tetranuclear Copper(II) Complexes Bearing Amino Acid Schiff Base Ligands: Structural Characterization and Catalytic Applications

Two new glycine-Schiff base copper(II) complexes were synthesized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) allowed us to establish the structure of both complexes in the solid state. The glycine-Schiff base copper(II) complex derived from 2′-hydroxy-5′-nitroacetophenone showed a mononuclear hydrated structure, in which the Schiff base acted as a tridentate ligand, and the glycine-Schiff base copper(II) complex derived from 2′-hydroxy-5′-methylacetophenone showed a less common tetranuclear anhydrous metallocyclic structure, in which the Schiff base acted as a tetradentate ligand. In both compounds, copper(II) had a tetracoordinated square planar geometry. The results of vibrational, electronic, and paramagnetic spectroscopies, as well as thermal analysis, were consistent with the crystal structures. Both complexes were evaluated as catalysts in the olefin cyclopropanation by carbene transference, and both led to very high diastereoselectivity (greater than 98%).     

Novel supramolecular assembly of symmetrical mixed-metal-ligand complexes of dioxouranium(VI)

Some binary and ternary novel complexes of dioxouranium(VI) with 8-hydroxy-7-quinolinecarboxaldehyde (OXH) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectral studies. Coordination effects on the vibrational spectra of the ligands have been investigated. The amine exchange reactions of coordinated Schiff bases in these complexes have been also studied, which reveal symmetrical tetradentate Schiff base complexes. Metal exchange reaction of dioxouranium(VI) complexes was obtained when reacted with tetradentate Schiff base complexes of Cu(II) with ZrCl(4)/UO(2)(CH(3)COO)(2) giving heterobinuclear complexes. Magnetic, electronic and IR spectral data suggest the configurations of distorted square planar ligand field copper(II) complexes. The ligands behave as bi-(O,O) and tetradentate (N(2),O(2)) donors. El-Sonbati equation has been used to evaluate the symmetric stretching frequency from which the F(U-O) and F(UO,UO)(-) were calculated. The bond distances of these complexes were also investigated.     

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.     

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 characterization of a new Schiff base derived from 2,3-diaminopyridine and 5-methoxysalicylaldehyde and its Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. Electrochemical and electrocatalytical studies

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a new tetradentate Schiff base ligand obtained from 2,3-diaminopyridine and 5-methoxysalicylaldehyde. This ligand (H₂L) reacted with nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) acetates to give complexes. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized using analytical, spectral data (UV–vis, IR, and mass spectroscopy), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The crystal structure of the copper complex was elucidated by X-ray diffraction studies. The electrochemical behavior of these compounds, using CV, revealed that metal centers were distinguished by their intrinsic redox systems, e.g. Ni(II)/Ni(I), Cu(II)/Cu(I), and Zn(II)/Zn(I). Moreover, the electrocatalytic reactions of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes catalyze the oxidation of methanol and benzylic alcohol.     

Synthesis,structural features and biochemical activity assessment of N,N′‐bis‐(2‐mercaptophenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldehyde Schiff base and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

The tetradentate Schiff base ligand (SB), N,N′‐bis‐(2‐mercaptophenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldehyde was prepared via condensation of 2,5‐thiophene‐dicarboxaldehyde with 2‐aminothiophenol in a 1:2 molar ratio by conventional method. Additionally, its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis, ESR, ESI‐mass, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Spectral studies suggested that, the Schiff base coordinate metal ions through the azomethine N‐ and deprotonated thiol S‐ atoms. Based on UV–Vis absorption and magnetic susceptibility data, tetrahedral geometry was assigned for both Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes, whereas on the other hand, square planar geometry for both Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Free radical scavenging activity of the novel compounds was determined by elimination of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In addition, the interactions of the free ligand and its complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) were explored using absorption, emission and viscosity measurements techniques.     

Structural, spectral, electric-field-induced second harmonic, and theoretical study of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and VO(II) complexes with [N2O2] unsymmetrical schiff bases of S-methylisothiosemicarbazide derivatives

New unsymmetrical [N2O2] tetradentate Schiff base complexes of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and VO(II) were synthesized by template condensation of the tetradentate precursor 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione mono-S-methylisothiosemicarbazone with o-hydroxybenzaldehyde or its 5-phenylazo derivative. They were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, electron spin resonance, and NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and magnetic measurements. The crystal structures of five of them have been determined by X-ray diffraction using, in some cases, synchrotron radiation. These compounds are characterized by a large thermal stability; their decomposition temperatures range from 240 up to 310 degrees C. Complexes with the phenylazo substituent were found to possess a large second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response, as determined both by measurements of solution-phase direct current electric-field-induced second harmonic generation and by theoretical time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The molecular hyperpolarizability was found to decrease in the order Zn(II) > Cu(II) > Ni(II) approximately VO(II). The active role of the metal in determining the NLO properties of the complexes was shown through an analysis of their UV-vis spectra, which revealed the presence of metal-to-ligand (in closed-shell complexes) and ligand-to-metal (in open-shell complexes) charge-transfer bands together with intra-ligand charge-transfer transitions. Assignment of the bands was based on the analysis of the TDDFT computed spectra.     

Investigation of the oxygen affinity of manganese(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes with some tetradentate Schiff bases

Oxygen absorption–desorption processes for square planar Mn(II), Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes of tetradentate Schiff base ligands in DMF and chloroform solvents were investigated. The tetradentate Schiff base ligands were obtained by condensation reaction of ethylenediamine with salcyldehyde, o-hydroxyacetophenone or acetylacetone in the molar ratio 1:2. The square planar complexes were prepared by the reaction of the Schiff base ligands with Mn(II) acetate, Co(II) nitrate and Ni(II) nitrate in dry ethanol under nitrogen atmosphere. The sorption processes were undertaken in the presence and absence of (pyridine) axial-base in 1:1 M ratio of (pyridine:metal(II) complexes). Complexes in DMF indicate significant oxygen affinity than in chloroform solvent. Cobalt(II) complexes showed significant sorption processes compared to Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The presence of pyridine axial base clearly increases oxygen affinity.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterization of azo-linked Schiff bases and their nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) complexes

Azo compounds were prepared by coupling of benzenediazonium chloride ions with 1-amino-2-hydroxy-4-naphthalene sulfonic acid under alkaline conditions, and Schiff bases, L_1–3 were then obtained by the condensation of 1-amino-2-hydroxy-3-(phenylazo)-4-naphthalene sulfonic acid, 1-amino-2-hydroxy-3-(4-ethylphenylazo)-4-naphthalene sulfonic acid, and 1-amino-2-hydroxy-3-(4-nitrophenylazo)-4-naphthalene sulfonic acid with salicylaldehyde. New copper(II), nickel(II), and zinc(II) complexes of the Schiff base ligands were also prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods, magnetic measurements, elemental, and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Nickel(II), copper(II), cobalt(II), and palladium(II) complexes with a Schiff base: crystal structure,DFT study and copper complex catalyzed aerobic oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde

Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Pd(II) complexes were synthesized with a Schiff base containing thioether with ONS donors chelating to the metal center. The ligand and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, UV–visible spectroscopy and magnetic studies. The crystal structures of the ligand and its Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structures revealed that the ligand chelated with Ni(II) and Pd(II) center in slightly distorted octahedral and slightly distorted square planar fashion, respectively. DFT studies of the Pd(II) complex revealed that the calculated structural parameters are very close with the experimentally observed data. The Cu(II) complex shows very good catalytic activity toward the conversion of alcohol to aldehyde under aerobic oxidation with ammonium persulfate.     

Designing molecules for PDT: red light-induced DNA cleavage on disulfide bond activation in a dicopper(II) complex

The binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu)(RSSR)2](1), where RSSR is a dianionic Schiff base derived from 2-(thioethyl)salicylaldimine having a disulfide bond is prepared, structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and its photo-induced DNA cleavage activity studied. The Schiff base ligand H2RSSR is also structurally characterized. The crystal structure of shows the discrete dimeric nature of the complex with each metal showing square-planar geometry with a CuN2O2 coordination (Cu...Cu, 5.011(1)A). The tetradentate Schiff base RSSR acts as a linker of two copper centers. The sulfur atoms in the disulfide unit do not show any apparent interaction with the metal ion. Complex 1, which is cleavage inactive in the dark in the presence of reducing agents, shows significant cleavage of supercoiled pUC19 DNA on exposure to UV light of 312 nm or visible light of different wavelengths under aerobic conditions, in the absence of any additives. DNA cleavage data from control experiments reveal involvement of the disulfide unit as a photosensitizer undergoing photo-induced S-S bond cleavage on exposure to UV light and the resulting species activates molecular oxygen to form singlet oxygen (1O2) that causes DNA cleavage following a type-II process. Photo-induced DNA cleavage by 1 on red-light exposure using a CW laser of 632.8 nm or a pulsed ruby laser of 694 nm is proposed to involve sulfide radicals in a type-I process and hydroxyl radicals as the reactive species.     

Synthesis, spectral characterization, and thermal behavior of mononuclear Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II) complexes with 5-bromosalycilaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone

A bidentate/tridentate 5-bromosalycilaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone Schiff base was synthesized by condensing 5-bromosalycilaldehyde with isonicotinoylhydrazine. Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) complexes of this chelating ligand were synthesized using nitrates of these metals. The ligand and the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis, IR and EPR spectroscopy, conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The ligand and Zn(II) complex exhibits solid-state photoluminescence at room temperature.     

DNA interaction studies of Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) chelates derived from schiff base ligand

Chelates of the type M(L)₂ {where, M ?= ?Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), and L ?= ?3-{(E)-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}pyridin-4(1H)-one)} were synthesized by using the Schiff base ligand in the stochiometric ratio 2:1 (L:M) and Schiff base ligand (L) was synthesized by simple condensation between 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde with 3-aminopyridin-4-ol. The structure and formation of synthesized compounds were established by different analytical and spectroscopic methods like, elemental analysis, UV- spectroscopy, FT-IR, Proton and Carbon NMR, mass spectrometry and Powder XRD. Further, the synthesized chelates screened for the DNA binding studies of Calf Thymus (CT)-DNA by exploiting electronic absorption spectra, relative viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation methods. The proposed DNA binding mode supports the enhancement in the binding activity of the complexes in presence of newly synthesized ligand. The cleavage activities of the PUC-18 DNA in the presence and the absence of the complexes were recorded with the help of gel-electrophoresis. The cleavage experiment results reveals that all the synthesized chelates can cleave pUC-18 DNA effectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of heterocyclic Schiff base and its complexes with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II)

A new Schiff base, {1-[(2-hydroxy-naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)-amino]-4-phenyl-2-thioxo-1, 2-dihydro-pyrimidin-5-yl}-phenyl-methanone, has been synthesized from N-amino pyrimidine-2-thione and 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde. Metal complexes of the Schiff base were prepared from acetate/chloride salts of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) in methanol. The chemical structures of the Schiff-base ligand and its metal complexes were confirmed by elemental analyses, IR, ¹³C-NMR, ¹H-NMR, API-ES, UV-Visible spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and thermogravimetric analyses. The electronic spectral data and magnetic moment measurements suggest mononuclear octahedral and mononuclear or binuclear square planar structures for the metal complexes. In light of these results, it was suggested that this ligand coordinates to each metal atom by hydroxyl oxygen, azomethine nitrogen, and thione sulfur to form octahedral complexes with Cd(II) and Zn(II).     

Synthesis, spectral, thermal and magnetic studies of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with some benzopyran-4-one Schiff bases

The Schiff bases of N(2)O(2) dibasic ligands, H(2)La and H(2)Lb are prepared by the condensation of ethylenediamine (a) and trimethylenediamine (b) with 6-formyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-methylbenzopyran-4-one. Also tetra basic ligands, H(4)La and H(4)Lb are prepared by the condensation of aliphatic amines (a) and (b) with 6-formyl-5,7-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzopyran-4-one. New complexes of H(4)La and H(4)Lb with metal ions Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) are synthesized, in addition Mn(II) complexes with ligands H(2)La and H(2)Lb are also synthesized. Elemental and thermal analyses, infrared, ultraviolet-visible as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements are used to elucidate the structure of the newly prepared metal complexes. The structures of copper(II) complexes are also assigned based upon ESR spectra study. All the complexes separated with the stoichiometric ratio (1:1) (M:L) except Mn-H(4)La and Mn-H(4)Lb with (2:1) (M:L) molar ratio. In metal chelates of the type 1:1 (M:L), the Schiff bases behave as a dinegative N(2)O(2) tetradentate ligands. Moreover in 2:1 (M:L) complexes, the Schiff base molecules act as mono negative bidentate ligand and binuclear complex is then formed. The Schiff bases were assayed by the disc diffusion method for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antifungal activity of the Schiff bases was also evaluated against the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans.     

New azo‐azomethine‐based transition metal complexes: Synthesis,spectroscopy, solid‐state structure,density functional theory calculations and anticancer studies

A novel tetradentate azo‐Schiff base ligand (H₂L) was synthesized by 2:1 molar condensation of an azo‐aldehyde and ethylenediamine. Its mononuclear Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared and their structures were confirmed using elemental analysis, NMR, infrared and UV–visible spectroscopies and molar conductivity measurements. The results suggest that the metal ion is bonded to the tetradentate ligand through phenolic oxygens and imine nitrogens of the ligand. The solid‐state structures of the azo‐Schiff base ligand and its Cu(II) complex were determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The azo‐Schiff base ligand lies on a crystallographic inversion centre and thus the asymmetric unit contains half of the molecule. X‐ray data revealed that keto–amine tautomer is favoured in the solid‐state structure of the ligand. In the structure of the Cu(II) complex, the Cu(II) ion is coordinated to two phenolate oxygen atoms and two imine nitrogen atoms of the azo‐Schiff base ligand with approximate square planar geometry. The anticancer activity of the synthesized complexes was investigated for human cancer cell line (MCF‐7) and cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was determined against mouse fibroblast cells (L929). The ligand and its complexes were found to show antitumor activity. The synthesized metal complexes were optimized at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level and a new theoretical formula for MCF‐7 cells was also derived.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological studies of some Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes derived from indole-3-carboxaldehyde and glycylglycine as Schiff base ligand

The Schiff base ligand derived from indole-3-carboxaldehyde(indal) and glycylglycine(glygly) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectrum, ¹H NMR and mass spectrum. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)–indal-glygly Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements, ESR, electrochemical studies, TGA, DSC analysis, XRD and SEM. Conductance measurements indicate that the above complexes are 1:1 electrolytes. IR spectral data show that the ligand is tridentate and the binding sites are azomethine nitrogen, peptide nitrogen and carboxylato oxygen atoms. Electronic spectral measurements indicate tetrahedral geometry for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and square planar geometry for Cu(II) complex. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetic behaviour for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and paramagnetic behaviour for Cu(II) complex. ESR spectral data shows the ionic link between metal and the Schiff base ligand. The metal complexes are found to be stabilized in the unusual oxidation states of the metal ion during electrolysis. Thermal analysis of the complex indicates that the decomposition takes place in three steps. IR and thermal studies indicate that the fourth position would be occupied by a water molecule in complexes. XRD shows that the complexes have the crystallite size of 31, 40 and 67 nm, respectively. The surface morphology of the complexes was studied by SEM. The antimicrobial activity of the ligand and its complexes were screened by Kirby Bayer Disc Diffusion method. DNA cleavage studies were performed for metal–Schiff base complexes in presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant.