LAUSR

Abstract Metal complexes of two general formulae [M(L)(Cl)(H2O)2] [M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)] and [M(L)(H2O)] [M = Zn(II) and Cd(II)] with pyrazine-2-carbohydrazone of 2-hydroxy-5-methylacetophenone (H2L) are synthesized and characterized by microanalytical, thermal, magnetic susceptibility measurement, spectroscopic (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR), mass, molar conductance, X-ray powder diffraction, ESR and SEM studies. While the molar conductance measurements in DMSO indicated their non-electrolytic nature, the spectroscopic studies confirmed a tridentate ONO donor behaviour of the ligand towards the central metal ion. Based on the physico-chemical studies monomeric octahedral geometry around Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions (i.e. for the first series of complexes) whereas tetrahedral to Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions (i.e. for the second series of complexes) are suggested. Based on the thermal behavior of the complexes, various kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using Coats-Redfern method. The ligand and its metal complexes were screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against Gram +ve S. aureus, B. subtilis and Gram –ve E. coli and S. typhi. and fungal strains, C. albicans and A. niger. The observed data infer promising biological activity of some of these complexes compared the parent ligand against all bacterial and fungal species.