Synthesis, structures, and antimicrobial activity of nickel(II) and Zinc(II) complexes with 5-methoxy-2-[(3-methylaminopropylimino)methyl]phenol

The Schiff base 5-methoxy-2-[(3-methylaminopropylimino)methyl]phenol (MMP) derived from 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde and N-methylpropane-1,3-diamine and its nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes [Ni(MMP)₂(NCS)₂] (I) and [ZnCl₂(MMP)] (II), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single crystal X-ray crystallographic determination. The crystal of I is monoclinic: space group P2₁/c, a = 9.0488(8), b = 12.7768(12), c = 12.9232(11) Å, β = 101.927(5)°, V = 1461.9(2) ų, Z = 2. The crystal of II is orthorhombic: space group Pbca, a = 11.6991(7), b = 13.2839(8), c = 20.4451(12) Å, V = 3177.4(3) ų, Z = 8. The Schiff base coordinates to the metal atoms through the phenolate O and imine N atoms. The effect of these complexes on the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were studied.