Mono- and binuclear Schiff base complexes derived from glycine, 3-acetylpyridine and transition metal ions

Binuclear Schiff base complexes derived from glycine (Gly) and 3-acetylpyridine (3-APy) in the presence of M(OAc)₂ [M = Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II] have been synthesized. The role of pH in promoting the condensation of glycine and 3-acetylpyridine, as well as the substitution of acetates by hydroxide ion, has been discussed. Also, the reaction of glycine with 3-acetylpyridine in the presence of MCl₂ [M = Co^II and Ni^II] and MCl₃ [M = Fe^III and Cr^III] yields mono- and/or binuclear complexes containing both of glycine and 3-acetylpyridine without condensation. Both types of complex were isolated and characterized by chemical analysis, conductance, spectral (u.v.–vis., i.r., and ¹H-n.m.r.), magnetic and thermal measurements.     

Synthesis, characterization, catalytic, electrochemical and thermal properties of tetradentate Schiff base complexes

In this study, the Schiff base ligands H₂L¹–H₂L³ and their Cu^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Fe^III Ru^III and VO^IV complexes have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques. All the complexes are mononuclear. Keto-enol tautomeric forms of the ligands have been investigated in polar and apolar solvents. The ligands favor the keto-form in the C₇H₈ and C₆H₁₄. The C–C coupling reaction of the 2,6-di-t-butylphenol has been investigated by the Co^II and Cu^II complexes. Thermal properties of the complexes have been assessed using thermal techniques and similar properties were found. In the Fe^III and Ru^III complexes, firstly, the coordinated water molecule is lost from the complex; in the second step, the chloride ion leaves the molecule in the 300–350 °C temperature range. Finally, the complexes decompose to the appropriate metal oxide at the higher temperature ranges. The electrochemical properties of the complexes have been studied in the two different solvents (DMF and CH₃CN).     

Complexes of a tridentate ONS Schiff base. Synthesis and biological properties

Several new complexes of a tridentate ONS Schiff base derived from the condensation of S-benzyldithiocarbazate with salicylaldehyde have been characterised by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements and by i.r. and electronic spectra. The Schiff base (HONSH) behaves as a dinegatively charged ligand coordinating through the thiolo sulphur, the azomethine nitrogen and the hydroxyl oxygen. It forms mono-ligand complexes: [M(ONS)X], [M=Ni^II, Cu^II, Cr^III, Sb^III, Zn^II, Zr^IV or U^VI with X = H₂O, Cl]. The ligand produced a bis-chelated complex of composition [Th(ONS)₂] with Th^IV. Square-planar structures are proposed for the Ni^II and Cu^II complexes. Antimicrobial tests indicate that the Schiff base and five of the metal complexes of Cu^II, Ni^II, U^VI, Zn^II and Sb^III are strongly active against bacteria. Ni^II and Sb^III complexes were the most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative), while the Cu^II complex proved to be best against Bacillus cereus (gram positive bacteria). Antifungal activities were also noted with the Schiff base and the U^VI complex. These compounds showed positive results against Candida albicans fungi, however, none of them were effective against Aspergillus ochraceous fungi. The Schiff base and its zinc and antimony complexes are strongly active against leukemic cells (CD₅₀ = 2.3–4.3 μg cm⁻³) while the copper, uranium and thorium complexes are moderately active (CD₅₀ = 6.9–9.5 μg cm⁻³). The nickel, zirconium and chromium complexes were found to be inactive. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Heteropoly Complexes Na0.5Cs2 ? x[H0.5 ? xM

Crystals of novel heterepoly complexes (HPC) Na_0.5Cs_{2 − x} [H_{0.5 − x} M _x ^II X^III(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈] · 7−8H₂O (M^II = Fe, Mn; X^III = Cr, Al) are synthesized. Crystal structures of the complexes Na_0.5Cs_{2 − x} [H_{0.5 − x} Fe_xCr(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈] · 7H₂O (I) (x = 0.19) and Na_0.5Cs_{2 − x} [H_{0.5 − x} Mn_xAl(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈] · 8H₂O (II) (x = 0.22) are determined (space group Pbcn, Z = 8, a = 23.023(4) Å, b = 22.064(4) Å, c = 11.606(3) Å, V = 5895.66 ų for I and a = 22.972(9) Å, b = 22.002(8) Å, c = 11.543(5) Å, V = 5834.18 ų for II, respectively). The [X^III(OH)₆Mo₆O₁₈]³⁻ ligands were found to be coordinated in monodentate fashion to M atoms due to the participation of a terminal O atom of the cis-MoO₂ group in coordination with the Fe and Mn atoms, which was confirmed by IR data. __________ Translated from Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, Vol. 31, No. 9, 2005, pp. 663–676. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2005 by Gavrilova, Molchanov.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Some Transition Metal cis-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiensemicarbazone Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of some transition metal cis-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiensemicarbazone (CDOSC) complexes are reported. The ligand CDOSC yields: [ML₂ Cl₂] and [ML₂ Cl₂] Cl type complexes, where M = Cr^III, Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II, Cd^II and Hg^II, L = CDOSC. Structures of the complexes were determined using elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic measurements, i.r. and electronic, as well as n.m.r spectra. CDOSC acts as a bidentate ligand in all the complexes. All the newly synthesized metal complexes, as well as the ligand, were screened for their antibacterial activity. All the complexes exhibit strong inhibitory action against Gram (+) bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram (−) bacteria Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activities of the complexes are stronger than those of the ligand CDOSC itself.     

Novel oxalate-bridged trinuclear FeIII-MII-FeIII (M = Cu and VO) complexes: synthesis and magnetism

Two new heterotrinuclear Fe^III-M^II-Fe^III oxalate-bridged complexes have been prepared, and characterized, namely M^II[(ox)Fe^III(Salen)]₂, [Salen = N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminate), ox = oxalate, M = Cu (1) and VO (2)]. Based on elemental analysis, conductivity measurements and i.r. spectra, the complexes are proposed to have an oxalate-bridged structure. The magnetic susceptibilities of the complexes were measured over the 4.2–300 K range, giving the exchange integrals J _AB = −4.23 cm⁻¹, J _AA = −2.47 cm⁻¹ for (1) and J _AB = −5.42 cm⁻¹, J _AA = −1.55 cm⁻¹ for (2). These results revealed the operation of an antiferromagnetic spin-exchange interaction between the metal ions. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Obtaining of Ni<Subscript>0.65</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.35</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposites by thermal decomposition of complex compounds embedded in silica matrix

This article presents the results of our investigation on the obtaining of Ni_0.65Zn_0.35Fe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticles embedded in a SiO₂ matrix using a modified sol–gel synthesis method, starting from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), metal (Fe^III,Ni^II,Zn^II) nitrates and ethylene glycol (EG). This method consists in the formation of carboxylate type complexes, inside the silica matrix, used as forerunners for the ferrite/silica nanocomposites. We prepared gels with different compositions, in order to obtain, through a suitable thermal treatment, the nanocomposites (Ni_0.65Zn_0.35Fe₂O₄)_x–(SiO₂)_100–x (where x=10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mass%). The synthesized gels were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and FTIR spectroscopy. The formation of Ni–Zn ferrite in the silica matrix and the behavior in an external magnetic field were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quasi-static magnetic measurements (50 Hz).     

Fullerene complexes with divalent metal dithiocarbamates: structures,magnetic properties,and photoconductivity

A series of complexes of fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀ with metal dithiocarbamates {M^II(R₂dtc)₂}·C_m (m = 60 or 70) and metal dithiocarbamates coordinated to nitrogen-containing ligands (L), {M^II(R₂dtc)₂)_x·L}·C₆₀ (x = 1 or 2), where M = Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Mn, or Fe, R = Me, Et, Prⁿ, Prⁱ, or Buⁿ, L is 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), N,N′-dimethylpiperazine, or hexamethylenetetramine, were synthesized. The shape of dithiocarbamate molecules is sterically compatible with the spherical shape of C₆₀, resulting in an efficient interaction between their π systems. The resulting compounds are characterized by a layered or three-dimensional packing of the fullerene molecules. In the C₆₀ complexes, iron(II) and manganese(II) dithiocarbamates exist in the high-spin states (S = 2 and 5/2). The magnetic susceptibility of {M^II(Et₂dtc)₂}₂·C_m (M = Fe or Mn, m = 60 or 70) in the temperature range of 200–300 K is described by the Curie-Weiss law with Θ = −250 and −96 K and with maxima at 110 and 46 K, respectively, which is indicative of a strong antiferromagnetic spin coupling between M^II. The Weiss constants for the [{M^II(Et₂dtc)₂}₂·DABCO]·C₆₀·(DABCO)₂ complexes (M = Fe or Mn) are 1.7 and 0.3 K, respectively. The magnetic moments of the complexes containing Fe and Mn dithiocarbamates slightly increase at temperatures below 50 and 35 K, respectively, which is evidence of the ferromagnetic spin coupling between M^II in {M^II(Et₂dtc)₂}₂·DABCO. Single crystals of the complexes exhibit low dark conductivity (10⁻¹⁰–10⁻¹¹ S cm⁻¹). The visible light irradiation of these crystals leads to an increase in the photocurrent by two–three orders of magnitude. The photogeneration of free charge carriers in the complexes occurs both due to the photoexcitation of metal dithiocarbamate (Cu^II(Et₂dtc)₂) and through the charge transfer from metal dithiocarbamate (M^II(Et₂dtc)₂, M = Zn or Cd) to C₆₀. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2072–2087, November, 2007.     

(18-Crown-6)potassium tetrachloroferrate(III), dibromodichloroferrate(III), and tetrabromoferrate(III): Synthesis and crystal structures

Three new crystalline complexes are synthesized: [K(18-crown-6)]⁺ · An, where An = [FeCl₄]^?(I), [FeBr₂Cl₂]^? (II), and [FeBr₄]^? (III). The crystals of compounds I–III are cubic and isomorphic, space group Fd $ \bar 3 Three new crystalline complexes are synthesized: [K(18-crown-6)]⁺ · An, where An = [FeCl₄]⁻(I), [FeBr₂Cl₂]⁻ (II), and [FeBr₄]⁻ (III). The crystals of compounds I–III are cubic and isomorphic, space group Fd (Z = 16): a = 20.770(2) ? for I, 20.844(3) ? for II, and 20.878(4) ? for III. Structures I–III are solved by a direct method and refined by the full-matrix least-squares method in the anisotropic approximation to R = 0.047 (I), 0.059 (II), and 0.098 (III) for all 680 (I), 684 (II), and 686 (III) independent reflections. In two tetrahedral anions [Fe(1)X₄]⁻ and [Fe(2)X₄]⁻ in structures I–III, all halogen atoms (X = Cl and Br) are randomly disordered over three close positions relative to the crystallographic axes 3. Structures I–III contain the [K(18-crown-6)]⁺ host-quest complex cation. The K⁺ cation (CN = 8) resides in the cavity of the 18-crown-6 ligand and coordinated by its six O atoms and two disordered halogen X atoms. The coordination polyhedron of the K⁺ cation in complexes I–III is a distorted hexagonal bipyramid. Original Russian Text ? A.N. Chekhlov, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 9, pp. 1566–1570.     

5-[2-(Methylthio)ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one and its complexes with transition metals (Co<Superscript>II</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>II</Superscript>, and Cu<Superscript>II</Superscript>). Synthesis and electrochemical investigation

The reaction of 5-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (LH) with salts MCl₂· xH₂O (M = Co, Ni, Cu; x = 2, 6) afforded the [M(L)Cl]_n complexes of Ni^II, Co^II, and Cu^II. The electrochemical behavior of the LH ligand and its complexes was studied using the cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode techniques. The structures of the synthesized compounds were determined by the data of UV—Vis and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical characteristics. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 339–343, February, 2007.     

Developing Intense Blue and Magenta Colors in α‐LiZnBO3: The Role of 3d‐Metal Substitution and Coordination

We describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and optical absorption spectra/colors of 3d‐transition‐metal‐substituted α‐LiZnBO₃ derivatives: α‐LiZn_1?xM^II_xBO₃ (M^II=Co^II (0<x<0.50), Ni^II (0<x≤0.05), Cu^II (0<x≤0.10)) and α‐Li_1+xZn_1?2xM^III_xBO₃ (M^III=Mn^III (0<x≤0.10), Fe^III (0<x≤0.25)). The crystal structure of the host α‐LiZnBO₃, which is both disordered and distorted with respect to Li and Zn occupancies and coordination geometries, is largely retained in the derivatives, which gives rise to unique colors (blue for Co^II, magenta for Ni^II, violet for Cu^II) that could be of significance for the development of new, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly pigment materials, particularly in the case of the blue pigments. Accordingly, this work identifies distorted tetrahedral MO₄ (M=Co, Ni, Cu) structural units, with a long M?O bond that results in trigonal bipyramidal geometry, as new chromophores for blue, magenta, and violet colors in a α‐LiZnBO₃ host. From the L*a*b* color coordinates, we found that Co‐substituted compounds have an intense blue color that is stronger than that of CoAl₂O₄ and YIn_0.90Mn_0.10O₃. The near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectral studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a moderate IR reflectivity that could be significant for applications as “cool pigments”.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of Schiff-base complexes derived from alanine and 2-acetylpyridine with some divalent metal acetates

Schiff-base complexes [ML(H₂O)₂(Ac)]nH₂O (M?=?Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II); L?=?Schiff-base ligand derived from 2-acetylpyridine and alanine and n?=?1–3/2) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral (FTIR, UV/Vis, MS, ¹H-NMR), thermal (TGA), conductance and magnetic moment measurements. The results suggest octahedral geometry for all the isolated complexes. IR spectra show that the ligand coordinates to the metal ions as mononegative tridentate through pyridyl nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen after deprotonation of the hydroxyl group. Semi-empirical calculations PM3 and AM1 have been used to study the molecular geometry and the harmonic vibrational spectra to assist the experimental assignments of the complexes.     

Fe(II) complex with chiral pyrazolylquinoline L and Fe(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) complexes with achiral pyrazolylquinoline L1: Synthesis and properties. The crystal structures of [ML1Cl2] (M = Fe, Co, and Cu)

The complexes FeLCl₂ (I), [FeL¹Cl₂] (II), [CoL¹Cl₂] (III), and [CuL¹Cl₂] (IV) (where L and L¹ are chiral and achiral pyrazolylquinolines, respectively) were obtained. Complexes II–IV were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals of complexes II and III are triclinic (space group P $ \bar 1 The complexes FeLCl₂ (I), [FeL¹Cl₂] (II), [CoL¹Cl₂] (III), and [CuL¹Cl₂] (IV) (where L and L¹ are chiral and achiral pyrazolylquinolines, respectively) were obtained. Complexes II–IV were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals of complexes II and III are triclinic (space group P ) and crystals of complex IV are monoclinic (space group P2₁/n). Structures II–IV are built from discrete mononuclear acentric molecules. In these complexes, the M²⁺ ion (M = Fe, Co, and Cu) coordinates two N atoms of the bidentate chelating ligand L¹ and two Cl atoms. The coordination cores MCl₂N₂ are distorted tetrahedra. For complexes I and II, μ_eff = 5.05 and 5.07 μ_B, respectively, correspond to the high-spin configuration d ⁶. For complex III, μ_eff = 4.51 μ_B (high-spin configuration d ⁷) and for complex IV, μ_eff = 1.80 μ_B (configuration d ⁹). Original Russian Text ? Z.A. Savel’eva, L.A. Glinskaya, R.F. Klevtsova, S.A. Popov, A.V. Tkachev, N.V. Semikolenova, V.A. Zakharov, S.V. Larionov, 2008, published in Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, 2008, Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 285–292.     

Bismuth compounds [Ph3BuP]+I?, [Ph3BuP] 2+ [Bi2I8 · 2Me2C=O]2?, and [Ph3BuP] 2+ [Bi2I8 · 2Me2S=O]2?: Syntheses and crystal structures

The complexes [Ph₃BuP]₂⁺[Bi₂I₈ · 2Me₂C=O]²⁻ (II) and [Ph₃BuP]₂⁺[Bi₂I₈ · 2Me₂S=O]²⁻ (III) are synthesized by the reactions of triphenyl(n-butyl)phosphonium iodide (I) with bismuth iodide in acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide. In the cations of complexes I–III, the P atoms have a distorted tetrahedral coordination (CPC angles 106.3(2)°–112.0(3)°). The butyl group in cation I is disordered over two positions. In the binuclear centrosymmetric anions of structures II and III, the octahedrally coordinated bismuth atoms are linked in pairs by two bridging (br) iodine atoms (Bi-I_br 3.1508(7) and 3.2824(8) ? in compound II, 3.1961(3) and 3.3108(3) ? in complex III), which are coplanar to four terminal (t) iodine atoms (Bi-I_t 2.9260(7) and 2.9953(6) ? in complex II, 2.9206(3) and 2.9786(3) ? in complex III). The two remaining positions at the bismuth atom are occupied by the iodine atom (Bi-I_t 2.8531(7) ? in complex II, 2.8984(3) ? in complex III) and O atom of the organic molecule (Bi-O 2.747(6) ? in complex II, 2.507(3) ? in complex III). Original Russian Text ? V.V. Sharutin, I.V. Egorova, N.N. Klepikov, E.A. Boyarkina, O.K. Sharutina, 2009, published in Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, 2009, Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 188–192.     

Synthesis,physico-chemical and antimicrobial screening studies of some transition metal complexes with O:O donor ligands

The solid complexes of Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II with 3-(3-furan-2yl-acryloyl)-6-methyl-pyran-2,4-dione(L¹) and 3-(3-thiophene-2yl-acryloyl)-6-methyl-pyran-2,4-dione (L²) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductometry, thermal analysis, magnetic, i.r., P-n.m.r., u.v.–vis, X-ray diffraction and antimicrobial study. From the analytical and spectral data, the stoichiometry of the complexes has been found to be 1:2 (metal:ligand). I.r. spectral data suggest that the ligand behaves as a dibasic bidentate ligand with O:O donor sequence towards metal ions. The physico-chemical data suggests distorted octahedral geometry for Cu^II complexes and octahedral geometry for all other complexes. The X-ray diffraction suggests an Orthorhombic crystal system for the Cu^II complex and Monoclinic crystal system for Co^II and Ni^II complexes of ligand L¹. The ligands and their metal complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the fungicidal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata and Penicillium notatum.     

Studies on the stereochemistry of diphenyl diketone monothio-semicarbazone and its transition metal complexes

Summary The stereochemistry and complexation behaviour of diphenyl diketone monothiosemicarbazone (DKTS) with Cu^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cd^II, Zn^II, Pd^II, Pt^II, Ru^III, Rh^III and Ir^III have been investigated by means of chemical, magnetic and spectral (i.r., Raman, ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. and electronic) studies. The ligand forms complexes of the M(DKTS)₂ type with Ni^II, Cu^II and Co^II having a distorted octahedral geometry. The absence of a v(M—X) band in the i.r. spectra, coupled with their 1:1 electrolytic conductances, suggests that Ru^III, Rh^III and Ir^III form octahedral complexes of the [M(DKTS)₂]Cl type. A four-coordinate structure involving bridging halides is proposed for the Zn^II, Cd^II, Pd^II and Pt^II complexes, which have relatively low v(M—X) vibration modes.     

Cobalt(III), copper(II), and nickel(II) complexes of 1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane-S-oxide

Summary The title complexes [ML₂]ⁿ⁺=Co^III, Cu^II, Ni^II; L=1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane-S-oxide) have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically. The sulphoxide group is coordinated through the oxygen atom and the complexes have atrans-O,O geometry. The nickel(II) complex of bis(2-amino-ethyl)sulphoxide has also been studied.     

Coordination chemistry and biological activity of two tridentate ONS and NNS Schiff bases derived from S-benzyldithiocarbazate

Two tridentate Schiff bases having ONS and NNS donor sequences were prepared by condensing S-benzyldithiocarbazate (NH₂NHCSSCH₂Ph) (SBDTC) with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde and salicylaldehyde, respectively. Complexes of these ligands with Ni^II, Zn^II, Cr^III, Co^II, Cu^II, and Sn^II were studied and characterized by elemental analyses and various physico-chemical techniques. Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Sn^II complexes were four-coordinate while the Cr^III, Sr^III and Co^III complexes were six-coordinate. The ONS Schiff base was moderately active against leukemia, while its zinc, antimony and cobalt complexes were strongly active against leukemic cells with DC₅₀ = 0.35–5.00.     

Spectroscopic characterization of some metal complexes derived from 4-acetylpyridine nicotinoylhydrazone

Coordination compounds of Mn^II, Cu^II, Fe^III and Zn^II ions with 4-acetylpyridine nicotinoylhydrazone (4-APNH) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic moments, i.r., u.v./vis., m.s., ¹H-n.m.r. and thermal analyses. I.r. spectra show that the ligand can act either in the enol form as monovalent bidentate or in the keto form as neutral bidentate depending on the metal salt used. Octahedral structures are proposed for Fe complex and square – planar for the Cu complex, while tetrahedral structures were suggested for Zn and Mn complexes on the basis of magnetic and spectral evidences. Semi-empirical calculations ZINDO/1 have been used to study the molecular geometry and the harmonic vibrational spectra with the purpose to assist the experimental assignment of the complexes. In memory of the late Professor Dr. Abdel Hamid M. Shallaby 2/5/2006     

Copper (II) complexes of sterically hindered o-diphenol derivatives: synthesis, characterization and microbiological studies

Cu (II) complexes with the sterically hindered diphenol derivatives 3,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,2-benzenediol (I), 4,6-di(tert-butyl)-1,2,3-benzenetriol (II) and the sulfur-containing 4,6-di(tert-butyl)-3-(2-hydroxyethylsulfanyl)-1,2-benzenediol (III) and 2-[4,6-di(tert-butyl)-2,3-dihydroxyphenylsulfanyl]acetic acid (IV) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, FT-IR, ESR, XPS, XPD and conductivity measurements. Compounds I–III can coordinate in their singly deprotonated forms and act as bidentate ligands. These compounds yield Cu (II) complexes of the stoichiometry Cu(L)₂, which have square planar geometry (g_| > g_⊥ > g_e). Unlike them, compound IV behaves as a terdentate ligand, and its complex Cu(L^IV)₂ has distorted octahedral geometry. According to ESR data, only the Cu(L^II)₂ complex contains a very small amount of phenoxyl radicals. Antimicrobial activities of these ligands and their respective Cu (II) complexes have been determined with respect to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as on yeasts. Their phytotoxic properties against Chlorella vulgaris 157 were also examined.