Synthesis and characterization of 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole Schiff bases and their complexes with copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II)

Schiff bases obtained by condensing 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole with salicylaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2,4-dihydroxy-benzaldehyde, 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde or o-hydroxynaphthaldehyde were obtained and characterized by C, H, N analysis, mass, NMR and IR spectra. Copper, nickel and cobalt complexes of the Schiff bases were prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, magnetic moments, IR, UV-VIS and ESR spectra, X-ray diffraction, TGA, DTA and DSC thermal analysis. All the complexes are non-electrolytes. ESR spectra show isotropic as well as axial symmetry for the copper complexes. Thermal studies support the formulation of these complexes and showed that they decompose in two or three steps depending on the metal used. Activation energy E _a and enthalpies ΔH associated with the decomposition process were calculated and correlated with the complexed metal used.     

Synthesis,characterization and antibacterial activity of indium(III) complexes with adamantane-ring containing Schiff bases

Indium(III) chloride tetrahydrate and Schiff-base ligands derived from adamantaneamine and 3-/4-methoxysalicylaldehyde gave two complexes, C₂₂H₃₂Cl₃InN₂O₃ (1) and C₃₆H₄₄C_l3InN₂O₄ (2), respectively. The complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, elemental analysis, molar conductance, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P2₁/n space group with the asymmetric unit consisting of one indium(III), one N-(3-methoxysalicylidene)-aminoadamantane (L¹), three chlorides and one N,N-dimethylformamide molecule. The indium is six-coordinate with reversed triangular-prism geometry via three oxygens and three chlorides. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic system, P 1 space group; the asymmetric unit consists of one indium(III), two N-(4methoxysalicylidene)-aminoadamantane (L²), and three chlorides. The indium is five-coordinate with distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry via two oxygens and three chlorides. Antibacterial activities of the complexes have been investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization and biological activity of benzofuran Schiff bases with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes

New Schiff bases have been synthesized from benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide and benzaldehyde, [BPMC] or 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, [BDMeOPMC]; complexes of the type MLX₂, where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), L = BPMC or BDMeOPMC and X = Cl, have been prepared. Structures have been elucidated on the basis of elemental analysis, conductance measurements, magnetic properties, spectral studies i.e., ¹H NMR, electronic, ESR and IR studies show that the Schiff bases are bidentate through the azomethine nitrogen and oxygen of the carbonyl. We propose tentative structures for all of these complexes. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of the ligands and their metal complexes have been screened against fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus and against bacteria Escherichia coli and S. aurious.     

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.     

Some divalent metal(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde‐derived Schiff bases: Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,antimicrobial and in vitro anticancer studies

Mononuclear transition metal(II) complexes of the type M(L)₂?2H₂O (where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been synthesized from uninegative Schiff base ligands (HL₁–HL₄) designed by condensation of 4‐fluorobenzylamine with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde/3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde/3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde/3‐bromo‐5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde. The compounds were successfully characterized using spectroscopic and physiochemical methods together with elemental analysis. Spectroscopic elucidation indicates a monobasic bidentate nature of ligands coordinated via deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atom which suggests an octahedral geometry around the central metal ions. The complexes and ligands were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains, the zinc(II) complexes being more active against the tested microbial strains. Further, the metal complexes were found to be more active than the uncomplexed ligands due to chelation process and, moreover, the complexes were more active against fungal strains than bacterial strains. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds were evaluated towards human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and one normal human lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT colorimetric assay with doxorubicin as a standard. The zinc complexes were most active against the cancer cell lines and also found to be less toxic against MRC‐5 normal cell line than standard doxorubicin.     

Synthesis,structures, and urease inhibition of nickel(II), zinc(II), and cobalt(II) complexes with similar hydroxy-rich Schiff bases

Four new nickel(II), zinc(II), and cobalt(II) complexes, [Zn(L¹)₂]?·?H₂O (1), [Ni(L¹)₂]?·?H₂O (2), [Ni(L²)₂] (3), and [Co(L³)₂]?·?H₂O (4), derived from hydroxy-rich Schiff bases 2-{[1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol (HL¹), 2-{[1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-2-ethylpropane-1,3-diol (HL²), and 2-{[1-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol (HL³) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray determination. Each metal in the complexes is six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral coordination. The Schiff bases coordinate to the metal atoms through the imino N, phenolate O, and one hydroxyl O. In the crystal structures of HL¹ and the complexes, molecules are linked through intermolecular O–H···O hydrogen bonds, forming 1-D chains. The urease inhibitory activities of the compounds were evaluated and molecular docking study of the compounds with the Helicobacter pylori urease was performed.     

Synthesis,characterization and anticancer studies of ferrocenyl complexes containing thiazole moiety

A ferrocenyl ligand was prepared from condensation of l,l′‐diacetylferrocene with 2‐amino‐5‐methylthiazole, to give the ligand. This ligand forms 1:1 complexes with lead(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) in good yield. Characterization of the ligand and complexes was carried out using IR, NMR, electronic absorption, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity and elemental analysis. Anticancer activity of the prepared ligand and its complexes against breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 was determined. The anticancer activity of the new complexes was accompanied by significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, with a parallel decrease in the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione level. Accordingly, the overproduction of free radicals allowed reactive oxygen species‐mediated cancer cell death. The results suggest that the complexes possess significant anticancer activity comparable to cisplatin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and antimicrobial activity of a series of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

Abstract

A series of six new mononuclear Schiff base complexes, 1–6 of cobalt(III) of the general formula, [CoLX] or its adduct with methanol, is reported. The pentadentate Schiff base ligand (H₂L) was obtained by the condensation of N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-methylpropane-1,3-diamine with 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone (H₂L¹) or 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one (H₂L²). X stands for the pseudohalides, N₃^–, N(CN)₂^? , and NCS^–. The complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of equimolar amounts of cobalt(II) nitrate with H₂L¹ or H₂L² in the presence of the respective pseudohalide in methanol medium. All the complexes have been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic, single crystal XRD (except 3), and other physicochemical studies. Structural studies reveal that the central Co(III) ion in 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 adopts a distorted octahedral geometry with a CoN₄O₂ chromophore. Weak intermolecular H-bonding and/or π-interactions are operative in these complexes to bind the molecular units. The antimicrobial activity of all the complexes and their constituent Schiff bases has been tested against some common bacteria and fungi.     

Synthesis,characterization, and crystal structure of three cobalt(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from rimantadine

By condensation of rimantadine and substituted salicylaldehyde, three new Schiff bases, HL¹, HL² and HL³, were synthesized. Then, a mixture of one of the new ligands and cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate in ethanol led to 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These complexes were characterized by melting point, elemental analysis, infrared spectra, molar conductance, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Pbcn space group; each asymmetric unit consists of one cobalt(II) ion, two deprotonated ligands, and one lattice water. The central cobalt is four coordinate via two nitrogens and two oxygens from the corresponding Schiff base ligand, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Complexes 2 and 3 crystallize in the monoclinic system, P2₁/c space group; each asymmetric unit consists of one cobalt(II), two corresponding deprotonated ligands, one lattice water, and one methanol. The central cobalt is also four-coordinate via two nitrogens and two oxygens from the corresponding Schiff base ligand, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry.     

Electrochemical transformations and evaluation of antioxidant activity of some Schiff bases containing ferrocenyl and (thio‐)phenol,catechol fragments

Electrochemical transformations and antioxidant activity of some Schiff bases 1 – 5 containing ferrocenyl group and (thio‐)phenol, catechol fragments were investigated. Compounds under investigation are: 2‐(ferrocenylmethylene)amino)phenol ( 1 ), 2‐((ferrocenylmethylene)amino)‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol ( 2 ), 2‐((ferrocenylmethylene)amino)‐thiophenol ( 3 ), 3‐((ferrocenylmethylene)hydrazonomethyl)‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol ( 4 ) and 2‐((3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)thiophenol ( 5 ). In a case of compounds 1 – 3 it has shown that the sequence of electrochemical transformations leads to the products of intramolecular cyclization – 2‐ferrocenylbenzoxazole (benzothiazole). o‐Quinone formation occurs during the electrochemical oxidation of catechol‐ferrocene 4 at the first anode stage. Electrochemical oxidation of the redox‐active fragments in Schiff bases 1–4 can be achieved indirectly at a lower potential corresponding to the oxidation of ferrocenyl moiety, consequently these substances can reveal more pronounced antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were evaluated using 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay, the reaction of 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) induced glutathione depletion (GSH), the oxidative damage of the DNA, the process of lipid peroxidation of rat (Wistar) brain homogenates in vitro. The compounds 1–4 in the antioxidant assays show effectiveness comparable with standard antioxidants (vitamin E, Trolox) and in some parameters superior to them. In the reaction of AAPH with the glutathione compounds 2–5 have a more pronounced protective activity than Trolox. Compounds 1–5 inhibit AAPH induced oxidation damage of the DNA. The more effective inhibitors of the lipid peroxidation process in vitro are molecules containing the bulky tert‐butyl groups: 2 and 4 and Schiff base 3 .     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,and antimicrobial activity of copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes of 3-formylchromoniminopropylsilatrane

A new series of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) complexes have been synthesized from 3-formylchromoniminopropylsilatrane (C₁₉H₂₄O₅N₂Si) (2) and 3-formylchromoniminopropyltriethoxysilane (1). Silatrane ligand (C₁₉H₂₄O₅N₂Si) (2) has been synthesized by the reaction between 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-formylchromone followed by a treatment with triethanolamine. The nature of bonding and the geometry of the complexes have been deduced from elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, infrared, electronic, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ESR spectral studies. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complexes indicate square planar geometry for Cu(II) and Ni(II) and tetrahedral geometry for Co(II). The redox behavior of copper complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The biological activity of the ligand and metal complexes has been studied on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli, and Bacillus subtilis by the well diffusion method using acetonitrile as solvent. The zone of inhibition values were measured at 37°C for 24 h. Antimicrobial screening tests show better results for the metal complexes than the ligand.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological properties of novel ON donor bidentate Schiff bases and their copper(II) complexes

Four novel ON donor Schiff bases (E)-3-((4-phenoxyphenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (HL₁),(E)-3-((4-(4-biphenyloxy)phenyliminomethyl)benzene-1,2-diol (HL₂), (E)-3-((4-naphthoxyphenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (HL₃), (E)-3-((4-(2-naphthoxy)phenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol (HL₄) and their copper(II) complexes bis((E)-3-((4-phenoxyphenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol) copper(II) (Cu(L₁)₂) bis((E)-3-((4-(4-biphenyloxy)phenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol) copper(II) (Cu(L₂)₂), bis((E)-3-((4-naphthoxyphenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol) copper(II) (Cu(L₃)₂), bis((E)-3-((4-(2-naphthoxy)phenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol) copper(II) (Cu(L₄)₂) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR, UV–visible) and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of HL₁, HL₂, HL_3, and HL₄ have been determined, which reveal intramolecular N-H?O (HL₁, HL₂, HL_3, and HL₄) hydrogen bonds in the solid state. Keto-amine and enol-imine tautomerism is exhibited by the Schiff bases in solid and solution states. The Schiff bases and their copper(II) complexes have been screened for their biological activities. In antimicrobial assays (antibacterial and antifungal), HL₄ showed promising results against all strains through dual inhibition property while the rest of the compounds showed activity against selective strains. On the other hand, in cytotoxic, DPPH, and inhibition of hydroxyl (OH) free radical-induced DNA damage assays, the results were found significantly correlated with each other, i.e. the ligands HL₁ and HL₂ showed moderate activity while their complexes Cu(L₁)₂ and Cu(L₂)₂ exhibited prominent increase in activity. As the results of these assays are supporting each other, it represents the strong positive correlation and antioxidant nature of investigated compounds.     

DNA cleavage,antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory anthelmintic activities,and spectroscopic studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of biologically potential coumarin Schiff bases

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, [ML?·?2H₂O] of Schiff bases derived from 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone) and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin/5-formyl-6-hydroxycoumarin have been synthesized. From analytical, spectral (IR, NMR, UV-Vis, ESR and FAB mass), and magnetic studies it has been concluded that the metal complexes possess octahedral geometry and are non-electrolytes. The redox behavior of the metal complexes is investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus proteus) and antifungal activities (Fusarium, Candida, Rhizopus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger) by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. The anthelmintic activity of the ligands and their metal complexes against earthworms was investigated. The DNA cleavage study was done by agarose gel electrophoresis. Anti-inflammatory activity studies showed the test compounds are comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,biological screening and in vitro cytotoxic studies of 4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone derived Schiff bases and their Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes

A series of twenty compounds inclusive of bidentate Schiff bases derived from condensation of 4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazide with substituted derivatives of napthaldehyde/benzaldehyde/salicylaldehyde and their mononuclear Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes in molar ratio (1:1) were synthesized and characterized. The coordination behavior, modes of bonding and overall geometry of the compounds was known from the elemental analysis, spectral techniques (IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESR and ESI‐mass), magnetic moment measurements, molar conductance, thermal and powder XRD studies. The studies revealed octahedral geometry for all the complexes where ligands coordinated in a neutral bidentate manner (NS) via nitrogen atom of azomethine group and sulphur atom of thione group with the metal centre. In vitro biological effects of the compounds were tested against four bacterial species and two fungal strains. The results indicated that the metal complexes showed a marked enhancement in biocidal activity in comparable with the parent Schiff bases. In vitro anticancer activity against the malignant tumor cell lines; human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7), human prostate cancer cell line (DU145) and human normal lung cell line (MRC‐5) using MTT assay, exposed compound 16 as a leading member with lowest IC₅₀ value of 10.6 ± 0.14 μM against (A549) cell line.     

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.     

Synthesis,characterization and antimicrobial activity of the Schiff bases derived from 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles and 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde,and their cobalt(II), copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes

Two new Schiff base ligands containing 2,4–disubstituted thiazoles and cyclobutane rings, 4-(1-methyl-1-phenylcyclobutane-3-yl)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenehydrazino)thiazole (L¹H), 4-(1-methyl-1-p-xylylcyclobutane-3-yl)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenehydrazino)thiazole (L²H) and their mononuclear complexes with a 1:2 metal–ligand ratio have been prepared from acetate salts of Co^II, Cu^II, Ni^II and Zn^II in EtOH. The authenticity of the ligands and their complexes have been established by microanalyses, i.r., ¹³C- and ¹H-n.m.r. spectra, and by magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. The complexes are mononuclear. Thermal properties of the ligands and complexes have been studied by t.g.a. and d.s.c. techniques. Antimicrobial activities of the ligands and their complexes have been tested against six different microorganisms; three are yeast and three are bacteria. One of the ligands and many of the complexes were found to be active against some of the microorganisms studied.     

Synthesis,characterization and cytotoxicity of platinum(II) complexes containing reduced amino acid ester Schiff bases

Nine platinum(II) complexes containing reduced amino acid ester Schiff bases were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopy (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, infrared), elemental analysis and molar conductivity. The interaction of these complexes with salmon sperm DNA was investigated by means of ultraviolet and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The potential antitumor activity of all compounds was tested in vitro on HeLa and A549 tumor cell lines. Almost all the complexes exhibited better cytotoxic activity than cisplatin against these cell lines.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and fluorescence properties of two dinuclear zinc(II) complexes incorporating tridentate (NNO) Schiff bases

Reactions of hydrated zinc(II) trifluoroacetate and sodium azide with two tridentate Schiff bases HL¹ (2-((E)-(2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol) and HL² (2-((E)-(2-(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)-4-bromophenol) under the same reaction conditions yielded two dinuclear isostructural zinc(II) complexes, [Zn(L¹)(N₃)]₂ (1) and [Zn(L²)(N₃)]₂ (2), respectively. The complexes were characterized systematically by elemental analysis, UV–Vis, FT-IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopic methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that each of the dinuclear complexes consists of two crystallographically independent zinc(II) ions connected by double bridging phenoxides. All zinc(II) ions in 1 and 2 are surrounded by similar donor sets and display distorted square–pyramidal coordination geometries. The ligands and complexes reveal intraligand ¹(π → π*) flourescence. The enhancement of the fluorescence intensities for the complexes compared to the ligands indicates their potential to serve as photoactive materials.     

Synthesis,characterization, thermal,and antimicrobial studies of binuclear metal complexes of sulfa-guanidine Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of Schiff bases derived from condensation of sulfa-guanidine with 1-benzoylacetone (H₂L¹), 2-hydroxybenzophenol (H₂L²), dibenzoylmethane (H₂L³), 5-methylisatine (H₂L⁴), and 1-methylisatine (H₂L⁵) have been synthesized. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, and ESR spectra, as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The low molar conductance values indicate the complexes are nonelectrolytes. IR and ¹H NMR spectra show that H₂L¹–H₂L⁵ are coordinated to metal ions by two bidentate centers. Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes display paramagnetic behavior, whereas the Zn(II)-complex was diamagnetic. All studies confirm the formation of an octahedral geometry for [Cu₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 3H₂O (1), [Mn₂L⁴(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L⁴(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O (8), a tetrahedral geometry for [Cu₂L²(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), [Cu₂(L⁴)₂] (4), [Co₂(L⁴)₂] · 2H₂O (7) and [ZnHL⁴(AcO)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (9) and a trigonal bipyramid geometry for [Cu₂L³(AcO)₂(H₂O)₄] (3) and [Cu₂HL⁵(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (5). H₂L⁴ was most effective on Gram negative, Gram positive bacteria, and fungi (diameters inhibition zone ranged between 10.5–27.5 mm) after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Complex 8 showed moderate antimicrobial activity. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspargllus flavas was 20 mg L^–1. The compound proved to be of moderate toxicity and its LD₅₀ was 20 mg L^–1.