Syntheses, characterizations, crystal structures, antibacterial and SOD-like activities of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with 2-((Z)-(4-methoxyphenylimino)methyl)-4,6-dichlorophenol

Three mononuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes, [Ni(L)₂(py)₂] (1), [Ni(L)₂(DMF)(H₂O)] (2), and [Cu(L)₂] (3), where HL = 2-((Z)-(4-methoxyphenylimino)methyl)-4,6-dichlorophenol, py = pyridine and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, have been synthesized and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Complexes 1–3 crystallized in the monoclinic system of the space groups C2/c, P2_1/n, and P2_1/c, respectively. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 present an octahedral geometry at the metal center and 3 shows a square-planar geometry. The FT-IR spectra, UV–vis spectra, and magnetic susceptibility measurements agree with the observed crystal structures. EPR spectra indicate a d_x2–y2 ground state (g_|| > g_⊥ > 2.0023 and A_|| > A_⊥) for 3 at RT and LNT. The results of simultaneous TG-DTA analyses of 1 and 3 showed the final degradation products are NiO for 1 and CuO for 3. The Schiff base (HL) behaves as monobasic bidentate ligand possessing N and O donor atoms. Electrochemical properties for the complexes are similar and involve two irreversible redox processes. Complex 3 exhibits the ability to inhibit jack bean urease, although its Schiff base has no ability to inhibit urease. Complex 1 exhibits more active scavenging effects against O₂⁻ than HL, 2 and 3 under the same conditions. Antibacterial screening activities of these complexes were also investigated.