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.