Synthesis,characterization and biological studies of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with triazole‐derived Schiff bases

A series of triazole‐derived Schiff bases (L¹–L⁵) and their oxovanadium(IV) complexes have been synthesized. The chemical structures of Schiff bases were characterized by their analytical (CHN analysis) and spectral (IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry) data, and oxovanadium(IV) complexes were elucidated by their physical (magnetic susceptibility and conductivity), analytical (CHN analysis), conductance measurements and electronic spectral data. The molar conductivity data indicate the oxovanadium(IV) complexes to be non‐electrolyte. The Schiff bases act as bidentate and coordinate with the oxovanadium(IV)‐forming stoichiometry of a complex as M (L‐H)₂] where M = VO and L = L¹–L⁵ in a square‐pyramidal geometry. The agar well diffusion method was used for in vitro antibacterial screening against E. coli, S. flexenari, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. aureus and B. subtilis and for antifungal activity against T. longifucus, C. albican, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani and C. glaberata. The biological activity data show the oxovanadium(IV) complexes to be more antibacterial and antifungal than the parent Schiff bases against one or more bacterial and fungal strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.