Synthesis, spectral characterization and DNA cleavage studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes with benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide schiff bases

Abstract

New schiff bases have been synthesized from benzofuran-2-carbohydrazide and 1-naphthaldehyde [NMBC] or 6-methoxy-2-naphthaldehyde [MNMBC]. Complexes of the type MLX2, where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), L = NMBC or MNMBC and X = Cl, have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of analytical data, IR, UV-vis, H-1 NMR, DART-MS and ESR spectral data and magnetic studies. All the complexes are soluble in DMF and DMSO. The measured molar conductance values indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. The DNA cleavage activities of the schiff bases and their Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been studied by agarose gel electrophoresis method. The Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes have also been studied for their plasmid (pBR322) DNA cleavage activity.