Stereoselective ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide,initiated by aluminum isopropoxides bearing tridentate nonchiral schiff‐base ligands

Ring‐opening polymerization of D,L ‐lactide was stereoselectively achieved using newly designed aluminum alkoxide complexes as initiators. These half‐SALEN aluminum complexes bearing tridentate nonchiral Schiff‐base ligands are racemates, which provide chirality in the aluminum centers, efficiently afforded a stereoblock copolymer of D,L ‐LA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Syntheses,characterization and biological studies of zinc(II), copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with Schiff base ligand derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde and selenomethionine

Novel zinc(II), copper(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of the Schiff base derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde and D, L ‐selenomethionine were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and powder XRD. The analytical data showed the composition of the metal complex to be ML(H₂O), where L is the Schiff base ligand and M = Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). IR results confirmed the tridentate binding of the Schiff base ligand involving azomethine nitrogen, naphthol oxygen and carboxylato oxygen atoms. ¹H NMR spectral data of lithium salt of the Schiff base ligand [Li(HL)] and ZnL(H₂O) agreed with the proposed structures. The conductivity values of complexes between 12.50 and 15.45 S cm² mol^?1 in DMF suggested the presence of non‐electrolyte species. The powder XRD studies indicated that Co(II) complex is amorphous, whereas Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are crystalline. The results of antibacterial and antifungal screening studies indicated that Li(HL) and its metal complexes are active, but CuL(H₂O) is most active among them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization and in vitro biological activity of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) Schiff base complexes derived from salicylaldehyde and D,L‐selenomethionine

New cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of Schiff base derived from D,L ‐selenomethionine and salicylaldehyde were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and biological activity. The analytical data showed that the Schiff base ligand acts as tridentate towards divalent metal ions (cobalt, copper, zinc) via the azomethine‐N, carboxylate oxygen and phenolato oxygen by a stoichiometric reaction of M:L (1:1) to form metal complexes [ML(H₂O)], where L is the Schiff base ligand derived from D,L ‐selenomethionine and salicylaldehyde and M = Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). ¹H NMR spectral data of the ligand and Zn(II) complex agree with proposed structures. The conductivity values between 12.87 and 15.63 S cm² mol^?1 in DMF imply the presence of non‐electrolyte species. Antibacterial and antifungal results indicate that the metal complexes are more active than the ligand. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic,thermal, biological activity,molecular docking and density functional theoretical investigation of novel bis Schiff base complexes

New Schiff base ligand (H₂L, 1,2‐bis[(2‐(2‐hydroxyphenylimino)‐methyl)phenoxy]ethane) came from condensation reaction of bisaldehyde and 2‐aminophenol was synthesized in a molar ratio 1:2. Metal complexes and the ligand were completely discussed with spectroscopic and theoretical mechanism. The complexes with Fe(III), Cr(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Th(IV) and Zn(II) have been discussed and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, mass spectroscopy, thermal, magnetic measurements, and ¹H NMR. The results proved that the Schiff base was a divalent anion with hexadentate O₄N₂ donors came from the etheric oxygens (O1, O2), azomethine nitrogens (N1, N2) and deprotonated phenolic oxygens (O3, O4). Density Functional Theory using (B3LYP/6‐31G*) level of theory were implemented to predict molecular geometry, Mulliken atomic energetic and charges of the ligand and complexes. The calculation display that complexes had weak field ligand. The binding energy ranged from 650.5 to 1499.0 kcal/mol for Mn(II) and Th(IV) complexes, respectively. The biological behavior of the Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes were displayed against bacteria and fungi organisms. Fe(III) complex gave remarkable biological activity in comparison with the parent bis Schiff base.     

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.     

Oligo‐Ortho‐Chloroazomethinephenol and its Metal Complexes: Synthesis,Characterization, Antimicrobial and Thermal Properties

The new Schiff base oligomer (oligo‐ortho‐chloroazomethinephenol) was synthesized by the condensation of ortho‐chloroaniline with oligosalicylaldehyde (OSA). Oligomer‐metal complexes of oligo‐ortho‐chloroazomethinephenol (OKAP) with Cu(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) were synthesized. The properties of OKAP and oligomer‐metal complexes were studied by elemental, UV‐Vis, ¹H‐NMR, FT‐IR, magnetic susceptibility analyses. The number average molecular weight and mass average molecular weight OKAP were found to be 1494 g · mol^?1 and 5418 g · mol^?1, respectively. Elemental analyses of oligomer‐metal complexes suggest that the ratio of metal to oligomer is 1∶2. The results indicate that the OKAP coordinate through azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen to the metal ions. Antimicrobial activity of OKAP was tested against S. cerevisiae, B. subtilis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, M. luteus and S. aureus. The thermal stabilities of the OKAP and oligomer‐metal complexes were compared by thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. According to TG, OKAP, and oligomer‐metal complexes were stable against temperature and thermooxidative decomposition. The weight losses of OKAP and oligomer‐metal complexes were found to be at 400 and 800°C at 20.2 and 50.0 (OKAP), 17.1 and 41.1 (Cu(II)), 13.4 and 38.5 (Zn(II)), 18.3 and 68.2 (Co(II)), %, respectively. Based on half degradation temperature (T_50%) parameters, Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were more resistant than the OKAP and Co(II) complex.     

Ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide catalyzed by Al(III) and Zn(II) complexes incorporating Schiff base ligands derived from pyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde

A series of Al(III) chloride [LAl‐Cl]; Al(III) alkoxide [LAl‐OR]₂; and Zn(II) [LZn]₂ complexes with Schiff base ligands were obtained. ¹H NMR and X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that [LAl‐Cl] complexes have C_s symmetry and the Al center is penta‐coordinated. The Al(III) alkoxide complex [L⁵Al‐OⁱPr]₂ is a dimer bridged by OⁱPr^? with the Al center in a distorted octahedral environment. Zn complexes [LZn]₂ are double helix dimers with tetra‐coordinated Zn centers. The catalytic activity for the ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide was evaluated. The best activity in this series is shown by the aluminium chloride complex with a flexible three‐carbon bridge; more flexible four‐carbon bridges lower the activity.     

Preparation,characterization and biological evaluation of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from amoxicillin and cephalexin

Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of Schiff bases obtained by condensation of amoxicillin and cephalexin with salicylaldehyde/pyridoxal were prepared and characterized by microanalytical, thermogravimetric, magnetic and spectroscopic data. All the complexes were found to be six‐coordinate and containing two water molecules. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectral lines exhibited rhombic distortion from axial symmetry, with g_|| > g_? > g_e, in the copper(II) complexes. The geometry of the zinc(II) complexes appears to be octahedral. All the compounds under investigation showed antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity showed the following trend: copper(II) complexes > zinc(II) complexes > Schiff base ligands > parent drugs. The copper(II) complexes with the Schiff bases derived from cephalexin showed substantially enhanced activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared with the parent drug. All the copper complexes were also found to be active against kaolin paw oedema, whereas the parent drugs were inactive. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polymerization of β‐pinene with Schiff‐base nickel complexes catalyst: Synthesis of relatively high molecular weight poly(β‐pinene) at high temperature with high productivity

A series of easily accessible and stable Schiff‐base nickel complexes (complex 1 – 4 ) in conjunction with methylaluminoxane (MAO) were employed for the synthesis of relatively high molecular weight β‐pinene polymers at high temperature with high productivity. The ligand structure of the complex had a substantial effect on the polymerization in terms of the productivity and the molecular weight. With complex 4 in the presence of MAO, high molecular weight polymers of β‐pinene (M_n ～ 10,900) were obtained at 40 °C with an extremely high productivity up to 1.25 × 10⁷ g polyβ‐pinene/mol of Ni. ¹H NMR analyses showed that the obtained β‐pinene polymer was structurally identical to that formed by conventional cationic Lewis acid initiators. The polymerization was presumably initiated by the nickel cation formed by the reaction of the schiff‐base nickel complex and MAO, while the propagation proceeded in a manner typical for a conventional carbocationic polymerization process. Direct evidence for the carbocationic polymerization was offered by the fact that quenching of the polymerization with methanol at a low monomer conversion resulted in incorporation of a methoxyl end group into the polymer chain. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3739–3746, 2007     

Synthesis,characterization, biological activity,and corrosion inhibition in acid medium of unsymmetrical tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base complexes

Four divalent metal(II) complexes, namely [Co(II)L(H₂O)Cl]·2H₂O, [Ni(II)L(H₂O)Cl]·4H₂O, [Cu(II)L(H₂O)Cl]·3H₂O, and [Zn(II)L(H₂O)Cl]·5H₂O, {L = 2‐furan‐2‐ylmethyleneamino‐phenyl‐iminomethylphenol}, were synthesized and characterized by several techniques. The molar conductance measurement of all analyzed complexes in DMSO showed their non‐electrolytic nature. The new Schiff base ligand (HL) acts as tetradentate ligand, coordinated through deprotonated phenolic oxygen, furan ring oxygen, and two azomethine nitrogen atoms. The ligand field parameters were measured for the metal complexes, which were found to be in the range notified for an octahedral structure. The molecular structural parameters of the synthesized HL ligand and its related metal(II) complexes were calculated and correlated with the experimental parameters such as infrared (IR) data. The investigated ligand and metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against different types of fungal and bacterial strains. The resulting data confirmed the examined compounds as a highly promising bactericides and fungicides. The antitumor activities of all inspected compounds were evaluated against colon carcinoma (HCT‐116) and mouse myelogenous leukemia carcinoma (M‐NFS‐60) cell lines. The inhibition effect of HL ligand and its isolated complexes on the corrosion carbon in the form of a rod of area 0.35 cm² in HCl was investigated by measuring the weight loss at 25 °C.     

Free‐radical polymerization of dioxolane and dioxane derivatives: Effect of fluorine substituents on the ring opening polymerization

Partially fluorinated and perfluorinated dioxolane and dioxane derivatives have been prepared to investigate the effect of fluorine substituents on their free‐radical polymerization products. The partially fluorinated monomer 2‐difluoromethylene‐1,3‐dioxolane (I) was readily polymerized with free‐radical initiators azobisisobutyronitrile or tri(n‐butyl)borane–air and yielded a vinyl addition product. However, the hydrocarbon analogue, 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxolane (II), produced as much as 50% ring opening product at 60 °C by free‐radical polymerization. 2‐Difluoromethylene‐4‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxolane (III) was synthesized and its free‐radical polymerization yielded ring opening products: 28% at 60 °C, decreasing to 7 and 4% at 0 °C and −78 °C, respectively. All the fluorine‐substituted, perfluoro‐2‐methylene‐4‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxolane (IV) produced only a vinyl addition product with perfluorobenzoylperoxide as an initiator. The six‐membered ring monomer, 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxane (V), caused more than 50% ring opening during free‐radical polymerization. However, the partially fluorinated analogue, 2‐difluoromethylene‐1,3‐dioxane (VI), produced only 22% ring opening product with free‐radical polymerization and the perfluorinated compound, perfluoro‐2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxane (VII), yielded only the vinyl addition polymer. The ring opening reaction and the vinyl addition steps during the free‐radical polymerization of these monomers are competitive reactions. We discuss the reaction mechanism of the ring opening and vinyl addition polymerizations of these partially fluorinated and perfluorinated dioxolane and dioxane derivatives. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5180–5188, 2004     

Some divalent metal(II) complexes of novel potentially tetradentate Schiff base N,N′‐bis(2‐carboxyphenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldhyde: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and bioactivities

A novel tetradentate dianionic Schiff base ligand, N ,N ′‐bis(2‐carboxyphenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldhyde (H₂L) and some first row d‐transition metal chelates (Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) were synthesized and characterized using various physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The spectroscopic data suggested that the parent Schiff base ligand coordinates through both deprotonated carboxylic oxygen and imine nitrogen atoms. The free Schiff base and its metal chelates were screened for their antimicrobial activities for various pathogenic bacteria and fungi using the agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of all the newly synthesized compounds are significant compared to the standard drugs ciprofloxacin and nystatin. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were determined by reduction of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and compared with that of vitamin C as a standard. DNA binding ability of the novel Schiff base and its complexes was investigated using absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that the binding affinity with calf thymus DNA follows the order: Cu(II) complex > Ni(II) complex > Zn(II) complex > Co(II) complex >H₂L. Furthermore, the DNA cleavage activity of the newly synthesized ligand and its metal complexes was investigated using supercoiled plasmid DNA (pUC18) gel electrophoresis.     

Synthesis of asymmetrical tridendate Schiff bases and metal complexes and investigation of anticarcinogen effects on human colon and cervical cancers

The metal complexes of Zn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) with asymmetrical Schiff bases were synthesized. The asymmetrical Schiff base was obtained through the condensation of 1,2-phenylenediamine, 4-methyl-1,2-phenylenediamine, 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde and biphenyl-4-carbaldehyde. The new Schiff base ligands (L₁' and L₂') and their metal complexes were characterized by TG/DTG, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, UV–Vis, ESR, powder XRD, elemental analysis, magnetic moment and fluorescence studies. The powder XRD studies indicate that Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are amorphous, while Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes are crystalline. The anticarcinogenic effects of L₁' and L₂' were also investigated against colon (SW-620) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines and compound L₂' was found to possess the highest anticarcinogenic potential, with 16.7 µM and 27.5 µM of IC₅₀ values for HeLa and SW620 cells, respectively.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Antibacterial Activities of Four Schiff Base Complexes of Copper and Zinc

Four Schiff base complexes, [Cu₂(L1)₂(μ‐NCS)₂] ( 1 ), [Cu₂(L2)₂(μ‐N₃)₂] ( 2 ), Cu[Cu(CH₃COO)(L3)]₂ ( 3 ), and [Zn{Zn(C₃H₄N₂)(L3)}₂(NO₃)](NO₃) ( 4 ) (where L1 = 2‐[(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylimino)methyl]phenol, L2 = 1‐[(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylimino)methyl]naphthalen‐2‐ol, and L3 = bis(salicylidene)‐1, 3‐propanediamine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and single crystal X‐ray determinations. Both 1 and 2 are structurally similar di‐nuclear complexes, which are located at crystallographic inversion centers (with the center of the central Cu₂N₂ ring). In 1 , each copper atom has a slightly distorted square pyramidal configuration, coordinated by two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom from L1 and another two terminal nitrogen atoms from two bridging thiocyanate anions. The Cu···Cu separation is 3.466(3) Å. The structure of 2 is similar to that of 1 , with Cu···Cu separation of 3.368(2) Å. Both 3 and 4 are linear tri‐nuclear complexes. In 3 , the central Cu²⁺ ion is located on an inversion centre and has a distorted octahedral coordination involving four bridging O atoms from two Schiff base ligands (L3) in the equatorial plane and one O atom from each bridging acetate group in the axial positions. The coordination around the terminal Cu²⁺ ions is irregular‐square pyramidal, with two O and two N atoms of L3 in the basal plane and one O atom from an acetate group in the apical position. The acetate bridges linking the central and terminal Cu²⁺ ions are mutually trans. The Cu···Cu separation is 3.009(3) Å. In 4 , the coordination configuration of the central and the terminal zinc atoms are similar to that of the 3 , with Zn···Zn separation of 3.153(4) Å. The three Schiff bases and the corresponding three copper complexes exhibit good antibacterial properties, while the zinc complex 4 has nearly no.     

DNA-binding,oxidative DNA cleavage,and coordination mode of later 3d transition metal complexes of a Schiff base derived from isatin as antimicrobial agents

A Schiff base, obtained by the condensation of isatin monohydrazone with 2,3,5-trichlorobenzaldehyde, and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with DNA is investigated using viscosity, absorption titration, and electrochemical techniques. The results indicate that the complexes bind to Calf thymus DNA through intercalation. Oxidative cleavage activities of the complexes are studied using supercoiled pBR322 DNA by gel electrophoresis. Antimicrobial study reveals that copper and zinc complexes are better antimicrobial agents than the Schiff base and its other complexes.     

Antibacterial activity of transition metal complexes containing a tridentate NNO phenoxymethylpenicillin‐based Schiff base. An anti‐MRSA iron (II) complex

Transition metal complexes containing a phenoxymethylpenicillin‐derived Schiff base (HL) 3 obtained from the condensation of phenoxymethylpenicillin (PMP) 1 , with 1,2‐diaminobenzene 2 , were prepared. Spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques, namely, UV–Vis, FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, EPR, mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, DFT studies, together with elemental and thermal analyses were used to characterize the synthesized complexes. Based on the characterization studies, the general formulae [ML (OAc)(H₂O)₂] where M = Fe 4 , Co 5 , Ni 6 , Cu 7 , and Zn 8 , were proposed for the complexes. The Schiff base ligand 3 behaved as a monoanionic tridentate NNO chelating agent. On the basis of magnetic and spectral data an octahedral geometry for all the complexes was suggested. Schiff base ligand 3 , and the metal complexes 4 – 8 were tested against G(+) or bactericidal activity by agar disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results were compared with the activity of the standard drug PMP 1 . In vitro bacterial viability revealed that 3  had similar activity than 1 and exhibited modification in its bactericidal activity when formed metal complexes. It was found that the complexes 4 , 6 and 7 exhibited much better bactericidal activity than 1 against methicillin‐resistant Staphilococcus Aureus (MRSA) being complex 4 the most promising compound showing a MIC value of 0.042 μmol/ml.     

Efficient zinc initiators supported by NNO‐tridentate ketiminate ligands for cyclic esters polymerization

A series of zinc benzylalkoxide complexes, [LⁿZn(μ‐OBn)]₂ (L = L ¹ H – L ⁵ H ), supported by NNO‐tridentate ketiminate ligands with various electron withdrawing‐donating subsituents have been synthesized and characterized. X‐ray crystal structural studies revealed that complexes 2b and 4b are dinuclear bridging through the benzylalkoxy oxygen atoms with penta‐coordinated metal centers. All the metal complexes have acted as efficient initiators for the ring‐opening polymerization of L ‐lactide (within 12 min, 0 °C). Remarkably, a molecular weight of PLLA up to 580,000 can be achieved using [(L⁵Zn(μ‐OBn)]₂ ( 5b ) as an initiator. The kinetic studies for the polymerization of L ‐lactide with complex 3b at ?10 °C corresponded to first‐order reactions in the monomer. The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone, ε‐decalactone, β‐butyrolactone and their copolymer with complex 3b was investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Bulk solvent‐free melt ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide catalyzed by Cu(II) and Cu(II)–Nd(III) complexes of the Salen‐type Schiff‐base ligand

A monometallic (Cu²⁺, 1) and a bimetallic (Cu²⁺ Nd³⁺, 2) Salen‐type Schiff‐base complexes with different reactive species, could efficiently catalyze the bulk solvent‐free melt ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L ‐lactide. Especially for the bimetallic complex 2, the involvement of rare earth ion was important and influential to the catalytic behaviors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, characterisation and electrochemical behaviour of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes derived from acetylacetone and p -anisidine and their antimicrobial activity

Neutral tetradentate N₂O₂ type complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesised using the Schiff base formed by the condensation of acetylacetone andp-anisidine. Microanalysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, IR, UV-Vis,¹ H NMR, CV and EPR studies have been carried out to determine the structure of the complexes. From the data, it is found that all the complexes possess square-planar geometry. The EPR spectrum of the copper complex in DMSO at 300 K and 77 K was recorded and its salient features are reported. All the title complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity by the well diffusion technique using DMSO as solvent. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were calculated at 37°C for a period of 24 h. It has been found that all the complexes are antimicrobially active and show higher activity than the free ligand.     

Isatin‐Schiff base copper(II) complexes—A DFT study of the metal‐ligand bonding situation

Herein, we report results of calculations based on density functional theory (BP86/TZVP) of a set of isatin‐Schiff base copper(II) and related complexes, 1‐12, that have shown significant pro‐apoptotic activity toward diverse tumor cells. The interaction of the copper(II) cation with different ligands has been investigated at the same level of theory. The strength and character of the Cu(II)‐L bonding was characterized by metal‐ligand bond lengths, vibrational frequencies, binding energies, ligand deformation energies, and natural population analysis. The metal‐ligand bonding situation was also characterized by using two complementary topological approaches, the quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules (QTAIM) and the electron localization function (ELF). The calculated electronic g‐tensor and hyperfine coupling constants present significant agreement with the EPR experimental data. The calculated parameters pointed to complex 10 as the most stable among the isatin‐Schiff base copper(II) species, in good agreement with experimental data that indicate this complex as the most reactive in the series. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012