Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial properties of two Cu(II) complexes derived from a benzimidazole ligand

Two copper(II) complexes, Cu(L)₂](ClO₄)₂] and Cu(L)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂, were prepared and characterized by the spectroscopic and analytic methods, where L is N-butylbenzimidazole and bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine. Single crystals of Cu(L)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂ suitable for X-ray diffraction study were obtained by slow diffusion of diethyl ether into a DMF solution of the complex and the complex was found to crystallize as Cu(L)(bipy)](ClO₄)₂·DMF. The asymmetric unit contains one Cu(L)(bipy)]²⁺, two uncoordinated perchlorates, and one DMF solvate. Coordination geometry around Cu(II) is distorted square pyramidal with τ value of 0.31. Thermal properties of the complexes were examined by thermogravimetric analysis, indicating that the complexes are thermally stable to 310?°C. The metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus (as Gram(+) bacteria), Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (as Gram(–) bacteria), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis, and Candida albicans (as yeasts). The complexes show antibacterial and antifungal activities against bacteria and yeasts.