Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and DNA cleavage activity studies of Metal (II) complexes with a benzofuran Schiff's base

Abstract

Metal complexes of the type MLX2, where M = Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II), X = Cl and L = PMBC, Schiff's base derived from the condensation of Benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide with Pyridine-2-aldehyde have been synthesized. The structure of the complexes have been proposed in the light of analytical, IR, UV-Vis, H-1 NMR, DART-MS, ESR spectral data and magnetic studies. The complexes are soluble in DMF and DMSO. The measured molar conductance values indicate that, the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. On the basis of these studies six coordinated octahedral polymeric structure has been assigned to Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes and four coordinated tetrahedral geometry to Zn (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II) complexes. The Schiff's base and their metal complexes have been tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities by MIC method. The DNA cleavage activities of all the complexes were studied by agarose gel electrophoresis method.