DNA interaction,antimicrobial and molecular docking studies of biologically interesting Schiff base complexes incorporating 4‐formyl‐N,N‐dimethylaniline and propylenediamine

Four new transition metal complexes incorporating a Schiff base ligand derived from propylenediamine and 4‐formyl‐N ,N ‐dimethylaniline have been synthesized using transition metal salts. The characterization of the newly formed complexes was done from physicochemical parameters and using various techniques like ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, UV, electron paramagnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies, powder X‐ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility. All the complexes were found to be monomeric in nature with square planar geometry. X‐ray powder diffraction illustrates that the complexes have a crystalline nature. The interaction of metal complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated using UV–visible absorption, viscosity measurements, cyclic voltammetry, emission spectroscopy and docking analysis. The results indicate that the Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes interact with DNA by intercalative binding mode with optimum intrinsic binding constants of 4.3 × 10⁴, 3.9 × 10⁴, 4.7 × 10⁴ and 3.7 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively. These DNA binding results were rationalized using molecular docking in which the docked structures indicate that the metal complexes fit well into the A‐T rich region of target DNA through intercalation. The metal complexes exhibit an effective cleavage with pUC19 DNA by an oxidative cleavage mechanism. The synthesized ligand and the complexes were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. The complexes show enhanced antifungal and antibacterial activities compared to the free ligand.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological and anticancer studies of mixed ligand complexes with Schiff base and 2,2′‐bipyridine

New mixed ligand complexes of transition metals were synthesized from a Schiff base (L¹) obtained by the condensation reaction of oxamide and furfural as primary ligand and 2,2′‐bipyridine (L²) as secondary ligand. The ligands and their metal complexes were studied using various spectroscopic methods. Also thermal analyses were conducted. The mixed ligand complexes were found to have formulae [M(L¹)(L²)]Cl_m ⋅n H₂O (M = Cr(III) and Fe(III): m  = 3, n  = 0; M = Cu(II) and Cd(II): m  = 2, n  = 1; M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II): m  = 2, n  = 0). The resultant data revealed that the metal complexes have octahedral structure. Also, the mixed ligand complexes are electrolytic. The biological and anticancer activities of the new compounds were tested against breast cancer (MCF‐7) and colon cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines. The results showed high activity for the synthesized compounds.     

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of aminothiazole‐derived Schiff base ligands: Synthesis,characterization, antibacterial and cytotoxicity evaluation,bovine serum albumin binding and density functional theory studies

Transition metal complexes of type M(L)₂(H₂O)_x were synthesized, where L is deprotonated Schiff base 2,4‐dihalo‐6‐(substituted thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methylphenol derived from the condensation of aminothiazole or its derivatives with 2‐hydroxy‐3‐halobenzaldehyde and M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ (x = 0 for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺; x = 2 for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺). The synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were thoroughly characterized using infrared, ¹H NMR, electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, elemental analysis, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that the bidentate ligands form complexes having octahedral geometry around Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ metal ions while the geometry around Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ metal ions is four‐coordinated. The geometries of newly synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were fully optimized in Gaussian 09 using 6–31 + g(d,p) basis set. Fluorescence quenching data reveal that Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes bind more strongly to bovine serum albumin in comparison to Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The ligands and their complexes were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (Gram positive) and cytotoxicity against lever hepatocellular cell line HepG2.     

Syntheses and structures of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-(4,4′-bithiazole-2,2′-diyl)diacetimidamide ligands: in vitro cytotoxicities and DNA-binding properties

Two complexes of general formula, [M(DABTA)]NO₃ [M = Cu^II (1) or Ni^II (2), DABTA = N,N′-(4,4′-bithiazole-2,2′-diyl)diacetimidamide], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, IR and electronic spectra studies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures show that the two complexes have similar molecular structures in which each metal atom has a square-planar coordination environment. Hydrogen bonding interactions link each complex into a 2-D infinite network. The DNA-binding properties and cytotoxicities of the complexes were investigated. The results suggest that the two complexes can interact with DNA by intercalation, with binding affinities following the order of 1 > 2, which is consistent with their in vitro cytotoxicities.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic and thermal studies of some complexes of unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand

New unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand (H₂L) is prepared via condensation of 2-hydroxy-5-methyl acetophenone, 2-hydroxy-5-chloro-3-nitro acetophenone and carbohydrazide in 1:1:1 ratio. Metal complexes of VO(IV), Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III), Zr(IV), MoO₂(VI), WO₂(VI) and UO₂(VI) have been prepared. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis and IR spectroscopy and magnetic moment and thermogravimetric analysis. The purity of the ligand and the metal complexes is confirmed by microanalyses, while unsymmetrical nature of ligand was further corroborated by ¹H NMR. All the complexes are air stable and insoluble in water and common organic solvents but fairly soluble in DMSO. The elemental analysis shows 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry for all the complexes. Thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied, the complexes were found to be quite stable and their thermal decomposition was generally via partially loss of the organic moiety and ended with respective metal oxide as a final product. Comparison of the IR spectrum of ligand and its metal complexes confirm that Schiff base behave as a dibasic tetradentate ligand towards the central metal ion with an ONNO donor sequence. The dc electrical conductivity is studied and data obtained obeyed the relation σ = σ ₀ exp(−E _a/kT) over the temperature range 40–130 °C. X-ray diffraction study of VO(IV) complex shows its crystalline nature with triclinic crystal system.     

Palladium(II)-Based Self-Assembled Heteroleptic Coordination Architectures: A Growing Family

Metal-driven self-assembly is one of the most effective approaches to lucidly design a large range of discrete 2D and 3D coordination architectures/complexes. Palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination architectures are usually prepared by using suitable metal components, in either a partially protected form (PdL′) or typical form (Pd; charges are not shown), and designed ligand components. The self-assembled molecules prepared by using a metal component and only one type of bi- or polydentate ligand (L) can be classified in the homoleptic series of complexes. On the other hand, the less explored heteroleptic series of complexes are obtained by using a metal component and at least two different types of non-chelating bi- or polydentate ligands (such as L^a and L^b). Methods that allow the controlled generation of single, discrete heteroleptic complexes are less understood. A survey of palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination cages that are heteroleptic has been made. This review article illustrates a systematic collection of such architectures and credible justification of their formation, along with reported functional aspects of the complexes. The collected heteroleptic assemblies are classified here into three sections: 1) [(PdL′)_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal; 2) [(PdL′)_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is different; and 3) [Pd_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal. Representative examples of some important homoleptic architectures are also provided, wherever possible, to set a background for a better understanding of the related heteroleptic versions. The purpose of this review is to pave the way for the construction of several unique heteroleptic coordination assemblies that might exhibit emergent supramolecular functions.     

Redox properties of cobalt(II) complexes with isoindoline-based ligands

Cobalt bis-(N-arylimino)isoindolinates undergo electrostatic interactions with DNA or react with alkyl hydroperoxides to form ketones and alcohols. Redox behavior of the metal center should affect such reactivities; therefore, six neutral Co^II(L)₂ complexes with L = bis-(N-arylimino)isoindolinates have been synthesized to elucidate the effect of the aryl substituents on the redox potential of the metal center. Redox properties of various M^II(L)₂ complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) are compared. Moreover, data are presented on the dismutation rates of superoxide radical anion (a knowingly sensitive reagent on the redox properties of the metal center) in the presence of the various Co^II(L)₂ complexes among identical conditions.     

Metalated Container Molecules

The coordination chemistry of metalated container molecules is currently attracting much interest, because the properties of such compounds are often different from those of their constituent components. By adjusting the size and form of the binding cavity it is often possible to coordinate coligands in unusual coordination modes, to activate and transform small molecules, or to stabilize reactive intermediates. Such compounds also allow for an interplay of molecular recognition and transition‐metal catalysis, and for the construction of more effective enzyme mimics. Consequently, a number of research groups are involved in the development of new supporting ligands that create confined environments about active metal coordination sites. This research report briefly reviews recent progress in this field including the results of my own group. It is shown that N‐functionalized derivatives of Robson‐type macrocyclic hexaaza‐dithiophenolate ligands form bioctahedral transition metal complexes of the type [(L^R)M₂(μ‐L′)]⁺ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) with an overall calixarene‐like structure. These complexes are amongst the first prototypes for polynuclear complexes with well defined binding cavities. Since the active coordination site L′ is accessible for a wide range of exogenous coligands, the [(L^R)M₂(μ‐L′)] complexes exhibit a rich coordination chemistry. It is demonstrated that the presence of the binding cavity influences many properties of the binuclear [(L^R)M^II₂]²⁺ complex fragments, including color, molecular and electronic structure, hydrogen bonding interactions, redox potential, complex stability, and reactivity. The unusual properties of the complexes can be traced back to complementary host‐guest interactions and the distinct size and form of the binding pocket of the [(L^Me)M₂]²⁺ fragments.     

Hydrogen‐Bond‐Based Magnetic Exchange Between μ‐Diethylnicotinamide(aqua)bis(X‐salicylato)copper(II) Polymeric Chains

Polymeric salicylatocopper(II) complexes of unusual composition [C u(X‐ sal)₂( μ‐denia)(H₂O)]_n [denia = diethylnicotinamide, and X‐sal = 5‐methylsalicylate ( 1 ), 3‐methylsalicylate ( 2 ), 4‐methoxysalicylate ( 3 ), 3,5‐dichlorosalicylate ( 4 ) and 3,5‐dibromosalicylate ( 5 )] were synthesized and characterized. Magnetic measurements were performed in the temperature range 1.8–300 K. The structural unit of all complexes consists of a Cu^II atom, which is monodentately coordinated by the pair of X‐salicylate anions in trans positions. Water and the diethylnicotinamide ligand occupy the other two basal plane positions of the tetragonal pyramid. The axial positions are occupied by a diethylnicotinamide oxygen atom of neighboring structural units, thus forming a spiral polymeric structure parallel to b axis. Magnetic measurements showed that all complexes 1 – 5 exhibit a susceptibility maximum at about 6–8 K. The obtained data fit to Bleaney–Bowers equation gave singlet‐triplet energy gaps 2J = –8.60 cm^–1 for 1 , 2J = –6.57 cm^–1 for 2 , 2J = –8.57 cm^–1 for 3 , 2J = –6.82 cm^–1 for 4 , and 2J = –6.45 cm^–1 for 5 . The supramolecular structure based on hydrogen bonds [described by supramolecular synthons R₂²(10) and R₂²(12)] is the pathway for antiferromagnetic interactions of the magnetically coupled pairs of copper atoms of neighboring chains within the 2D supramolecular layers. The results of the magnetic measurements suggest involvement of the COO groups in the magnetic interaction pathway for all five complexes.     

Multinuclear NMR studies of the interaction of metal ions with adenine-nucleotides

It is well-known that metal ion complexes are essential in various biological systems, including those with adenosine nucleotides which are substrates for a large number of enzymatic processes. The interactions of various metal ions with adenosine nucleotides have been intensively studied by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Nucleotides are polydentate ligands with various potential binding sites, including nitrogen atoms on the purine base, hydroxyl groups on the ribose sugar, and negatively charged oxygen atoms in the phosphate group. Depending on the experimental conditions (e.g. pH, concentration range, etc.) and on the size and nature of the metal ions, monodentate, or multidentate coordination to these donor atoms are possible. The review focuses on the applications of different NMR techniques in identifying the stoichiometry and the mode of metal binding in complexes formed with the most important adenosine nucleotides, like adenosine-5′-mono-, di- and triphosphates (AMP, ADP and ATP). Ligand exchange dynamics for some metal ion complexes are also presented.     

Complete assignments of NMR data of salens and their cobalt (III) complexes

Salens, derived from 1,2‐ethylenediamine and salicylaldehydes, have been widely used as ligands for metal complexes which have been showing enormous potential in chemical properties of asymmetric catalysts as well as biological properties such as anticancer agents. Almost all of the salen–metal complexes with their corresponding metal (II)‐complexes show the evidences of chelation of two oxygens in salens. However, several metal (II) complexes, especially cobalt (II) complexes, could not show NMR spectra due to their paramagnetism. Recently, it has been reported that one of the cobalt (III) complexes was used for NMR spectroscopy to evaluate its stereoselectivity as a catalyst. Even though many salen ligands are known, their NMR data are not assigned completely. It was possible that modification in northern part of salen with 2‐hydroxyphenyl group afforded another oxygen chelation site in salen ligand. Here we report that synthesis and full NMR assignment of new salen ligands, which form meso 1,2‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine) and their cobalt (III) complexes. The assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data obtained in this experiment can help us to predict the NMR data of other salen ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Template synthesis, spectroscopic studies and biological screening of macrocyclic complexes derived from thiocarbohydrazide and benzil

A novel series of complexes of the type [M(TML)X₂]; where TML is a tetradentate macrocyclic ligand; M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II); X = Cl⁻, CH₃COO⁻ or NO ₃ ⁻ have been synthesized by template condensation of benzil and thiocarbohydrazide in the presence of divalent metal salts in methanolic medium. The complexes have been characterized with the help of elemental analyses, conductance measurements, molecular weight determination, magnetic measurements, electronic, NMR, infrared and far infrared spectral studies. Electronic spectra along with magnetic moments suggest the six coordinate octahedral geometry for these complexes. The low value of molar conductance indicates them to be non-electrolytes. The biological activities of metal complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic bacteria to assess their inhibiting potential.     

Screening of benzamidine-based thrombin inhibitors via a linear interaction energy in continuum electrostatics model

Abstract  

A series of 27 benzamidine inhibitors covering a wide range of biological activity and chemical diversity was analysed to derive a Linear Interaction Energy in Continuum Electrostatics (LIECE) model for analysing the thrombin inhibitory activity. The main interactions occurring at the thrombin binding site and the preferred binding conformations of inhibitors were explicitly biased by including into the LIECE model 10 compounds extracted from X-ray solved thrombin-inhibitor complexes available from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Supported by a robust statistics (r ² = 0.698; q ² = 0.662), the LIECE model was successful in predicting the inhibitory activity for about 76% of compounds (r _ext² ≥ 0.600) from a larger external test set encompassing 88 known thrombin inhibitors and, more importantly, in retrieving, at high sensitivity and with better performance than docking and shape-based methods, active compounds from a thrombin combinatorial library of 10240 mimetic chemical products. The herein proposed LIECE model has the potential for successfully driving the design of novel thrombin inhibitors with benzamidine and/or benzamidine-like chemical structure.     

Preparation and thermal behaviour of divalent transition metal complexes of pyromellitic acid with hydrazine

Hydrazine forms two different types of complexes with divalent metal ions and pyromellitic acid (H₄pml) in aqueous medium: (i) hydrazinium complexes of formulae, (N₂H₅)₂M(pml)·xH₂O, where x = 3 for M=Ni and x = 4 for M=Co or Zn, and (N₂H₅)₂Mn(H₂pml)₂, at pH 4.5, (ii) neutral hydrazine complexes with formulae, M₂(pml)(N₂H₄) _n ·xH₂O where M=Co or Ni when n = 4 and x = 5 or 4 and M=Zn or Cd when n = 2, and x = 4 or 3 at pH 7, and M(H₂pml)(N₂H₄)·xH₂O where x = 4; M=Cu and x = 0; M=Hg, at pH 3, 7.5, respectively. All the complexes are insoluble in water, alcohol and ether. The N–N stretching frequency (990–1,007 cm⁻¹ for coordinated hydrazinium ion and 956–985 cm⁻¹ for bridged neutral hydrazine) indicates the nature of hydrazine present in the complexes. Simultaneously TG-DTA analysis indicates that hydrazinium complexes undergo dehydration and dehydrazination in a single step endothermally in the range of 289–300 °C whereas neutral hydrazine complexes undergo endothermic dehydration (~100 °C) followed by exothermic dehydrazination in the temperature range, 253–332 °C. The anhydrous metal carboxylates further decompose exothermally to leave the respective metal oxides or metal carbonates except zinc, which gives its oxalate as the end product. X-ray powder patterns indicate that even the complexes with the same formulation possess no isomorphism.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of some transition metal complexes with Schiff base ligands derived from 4-amino-5-phenyl-4<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol and salicaldehyde

Abstract  

The coordination behaviour of a Schiff base with SNO donation sites, derived from condensation of 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol and salicaldehyde, towards some bi- and trivalent metal ions, namely Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II) (Cl, ClO₄), Ni(II) (Cl, ClO₄), Cu(II), and Zn(II), is reported. The metal complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG, and DTA). The ionization constant of the Schiff base under investigation and the stability constants of its metal chelates were calculated pH-metrically at 25 °C and ionic strength μ = 0.1 M in 50% (v/v) ethanol–water mixture. The chelates were found to have octahedral (Mn(II)), trigonal bipyramidal (Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II)), and tetrahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), and Cu(II)) structures. The ligand and its binary chelates were subjected to thermal analyses and the different thermodynamic activation parameters were calculated from their corresponding DTG curves to throw more light on the nature of changes accompanying the thermal decomposition process of these compounds. The free Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes were tested in vitro against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and A. niger fungi and Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli bacteria in order to assess their antimicrobial potential. The results indicate that the ligand and its metal complexes possess antimicrobial properties.     

Isomeric Effect on the anticancer Behavior of two Zinc (II) complexes based on 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Two isomeric Zinc (II) complexes constructed by 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses and infrared spectroscopy. The binding mode and ability of complex 1–2 with CT‐DNA were studied by UV and fluorescence spectra. The intrinsic binding constant K_b (K_b1 = 2.305 × 10⁴ M^?1, K_b2 = 3.095 × 10⁴ M^?1) and the observed association constant K_obs (K_obs1 = 1.523*10⁶ M^?1, K_obs2 = 2.057*10⁶ M^?1) indicated that the insertion ability of complex 2 with CT‐DNA is stronger than complex 1. Gel electrophoresis showed that complexes have a good ability to hydrolyze cleavage pBR322 plasmid DNA. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies showed that complexes exhibited excellent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells, especially complex 2 had better growth inhibition than Cisplatin. Molecular docking study simulated the binding model of complexes with DNA (PDB:4av1), showing an imidazole plane of complex 2 can be inserted into a DNA base pair in relative parallel. Both complexes can be used as potential anticancer agents.     

A novel time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy system for research on complexation of uranium(IV)

To date only a small number of studies have investigated the chemical speciation of complexes and the fluorescence properties of metal ions whose emitted fluorescence lifetime is in the range of only few nanoseconds. This is due to a lack of advanced methods which allow the conduction of these measurements. In the current study we set up a new time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy system with which the fluorescence properties of metal ions with very short fluorescence lifetimes such as uranium(IV) and its compounds can be investigated. By studying the fluorescence properties of uranium(IV) in perchloric acid, we showed uranium(IV) to have a detection limit of 5 × 10⁻⁷ M and a fluorescence decay time of 2.74 ± 0.36 ns. We further investigated the fluorescence properties of uranium(IV) during the reaction with fluoride and applied our novel laser system to study the complexation of uranium(IV) with fluoride.Our data revealed the formation of a 1:1 complex of uranium(IV) and fluoride. The corresponding complex formation constant of uranium(IV) fluoride UF³⁺ was found to be log β⁰ = 9.43 ± 1.94. Our results demonstrate that our novel time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy system can successfully conduct speciation measurements of metal ions and their compounds with very short-lived fluorescence lifetimes. Using this laser system, it is possible to analytically investigate such elements and compounds in environmentally relevant concentration ranges.     

ZnII Complexes for Bioimaging and Correlated Applications

Zinc is a biocompatible element that exists as the second most abundant transition metal ion and an indispensable trace element in the human body. Compared to traditional metal‐organic complexes systems, d¹⁰ metal Zn^II complexes not only exhibit a large Stokes shift and good photon stability but also possess strong emission and low cytotoxicity with a relatively small molecular weight. The use of Zn^II complexes has emerged in the last decade as a versatile and convenient tool for numerous biological applications, including bioimaging, molecular and protein recognition, as well as photodynamic therapy. Herein, we review recent developments involving Zn^II metal complexes applied as specific subcellular compartment imaging probes and their correlated utilizations.     

Copper(II) Pyridyl Aminophenolates: Hypoxia-Selective,Nucleus-Targeting Cytotoxins,and Magnetic Resonance Probes

Targeting the low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments found in many tumours by using redox-active metal complexes is a strategy that can enhance efficacy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapies. We have developed a series of Cu^II complexes with tridentate pyridine aminophenolate-based ligands for preferential activation in the reduction window provided by hypoxic tissues. Furthermore, ligand functionalization with a pendant CF₃ group provides a ¹⁹F spectroscopic handle for magnetic-resonance studies of redox processes at the metal centre and behaviour in cellular environments. The phenol group in the ligand backbone was substituted at the para position with H, Cl, and NO₂ to modulate the reduction potential of the Cu^II centre, giving a range of values below the window expected for hypoxic tissues. The NO₂-substituted complex, which has the highest reduction potential, showed enhanced cytotoxic selectivity towards HeLa cells grown under hypoxic conditions. Cell death occurs by apoptosis, as determined by analysis of the cell morphology. A combination of ¹⁹F NMR and ICP-OES indicates localization of the NO₂ complex in HeLa cell nuclei and increased cellular accumulation under hypoxia. This correlates with DNA nuclease activity being the likely origin of cytotoxic activity, as demonstrated by cleavage of DNA plasmids in the presence of the Cu^II nitro complex and a reducing agent. Selective detection of the paramagnetic Cu^II complexes and their diamagnetic ligands by ¹⁹F MRI suggests hypoxia-targeting theranostic applications by redox activation.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, thermal and biological aspect of mixed ligand copper(II) complexes

Derivative of 8-hydroxyquinoline i.e. Clioquinol is well known for its antibiotic properties, drug design and coordinating ability towards metal ion such as Copper(II). The structure of mixed ligand complexes has been investigated using spectral, elemental and thermal analysis. In vitro anti microbial activity against four bacterial species were performed i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus substilis and found that synthesized complexes (15–37 mm) were found to be significant potent compared to standard drugs (clioquinol i.e. 10–26 mm), parental ligands and metal salts employed for complexation. The kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n = 0.96–1.49), and the energy of activation (E _a = 3.065–142.9 kJ mol⁻¹), have been calculated using Freeman–Carroll method. The range found for the pre-exponential factor (A), the activation entropy (S* = −91.03 to−102.6 JK⁻¹ mol⁻¹), the activation enthalpy (H* = 0.380–135.15 kJ mol⁻¹), and the free energy (G* = 33.52–222.4 kJ mol⁻¹) of activation reveals that the complexes are more stable. Order of stability of complexes were found to be [Cu(A⁴)(CQ)OH] · 4H₂O > [Cu(A³)(CQ)OH] · 5H₂O > [Cu(A¹)(CQ)OH] · H₂O > [Cu(A²)(CQ)OH] · 3H₂O