Synthesis and characterization of complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) with macrocycle 3,4,11,12-tetraoxo-1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14-octaaza-cyclohexadeca-6,8,14,16-tetraene and their biological screening

A new series of complexes is synthesized by template condensation of glyoxal and oxalyldihydrazide in methanolic medium in the presence of divalent cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc and cadmium salts forming complexes of the type: M(C₈H₈N₈O₄)X₂] where M = Co^(II), Ni^(II), Cu^(II), Zn^(II), Cd^(II) and X = Cl⁻¹, Br⁻¹, NO ₃ ⁻¹ , OAc⁻¹. The complexes have been characterized with the help of elemental analyses, conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, n.m.r., infrared and far infrared spectral studies. On the basis of these studies, a six coordinate octahedral geometry for these complexes has been proposed. The biological activities of the metal complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic bacteria to assess their inhibiting potential. Most of the compounds have been found to exhibit remarkable antibacterial activities.