Catalytic and biological activity of transition metal complexes of salicylaldiminopropylphosphine

Primary phosphine complexes of transition metals have been synthesized from salicylaldiminopropylphosphine. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, electronic, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity measurements. The studies indicate square planar geometry for copper, cobalt, and nickel complexes. The EPR spectra of copper complex in acetonitrile at 300 and 77 K were recorded. The biological activities of the ligand and metal complexes have been studied on microorganisms such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus by the well-diffusion method. The zone of inhibition values were measured at 37°C for 24 h. The electrochemical behavior of copper complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The copper(II) complex oxidizes cinnamaldehyde using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant.