Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial activities of two mononuclear metal(II) complexes with (Z)-3-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-3-phenylacryloyl)phenyl benzoate

Two mononuclear complexes with a β-diketone ligand (Z)-3-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-3-phenylacryloyl)phenyl benzoate (L), [CoL₂(CH₃CH₂OH)₂] (1), and [MnL₂(CH₃CH₂OH)₂] (2) were prepared. Both complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography, confirming that the central metal(II) are coordinated by four oxygens from two L and two oxygens from two ethanols. Both complexes were assayed for in vitro antibacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae) activities and showed better antimicrobial activity against Gram positive strains than Gram negative strains.