LAUSR

Abstract Three new copper (II) and nickel (II) complexes viz. [Cu(L)2](1a), [Cu(L)2](1b) and [Ni(L)2].DMF(2), where HL = 2-((E)-(2, 4-dibromophenylimino) methyl)-4-bromophenol, have been synthesized and characterized by using various physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structures of Schiff base (HL) and their metal complexes (1a), (1b) and (2) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. IR and UV–Vis spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements agree with the observed crystal structures. The crystallographic and spectroscopic studies confirmed four coordinate environments around the metal (II) ions. The synthesized Schiff base ligand (HL) crystallizes in the orthorhombic system of the space group Pbca. Complex (1a) of HL was crystallized in the monoclinic system of the space group P21/c, a = 10.1712(9) A, b = 10.9299(10) A,c = 12.7684(11) A,α = 90,β = 104.649(2), γ = 90 and Z = 2 whereas complex (1b) and (2) crystallized in the triclinic system of the space group P-1, a = 11.499(5)A, b = 11.598(5)A, c = 12.211(5)A, α = 98.860(5), β = 115.653(5),γ = 100.906(5) and Z = 2 for (1b), a = 9.080(6) A, b = 9.545(8)A, c = 9.545(8)A, α = 101.43(4)o,β = 99.63(3), γ = 117.71(2)o and Z = 1 for (2). The synthesized ligand (HL) was behaved as monobasic bidentate Schiff base ligand having N and O donor sites. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra indicate a dx2–y2ground state (g|| > g⊥> 2.0023) for (1a) and (1b). Copper (II) complexes display X-band EPR spectra in 100% DMSO and 77 K, giving indicating dx2–y2ground state. Superoxide dismutase-like activities of HL and its complexes were investigated by nitrobluetetrazolium chloride-DMSO assay and IC50 values were evaluated. These complexes were also tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against two bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella typhi) and two fungi (Pencillium, Aspergillus sp.) comparing with the Schiff base. The antimicrobial results showed that the complexes were more biologically active compounds to the Schiff base (HL).