LAUSR

Abstract Manganese(ii) complexes of oxalic dihydrazones {N,N′-bis[2-hydroxynaphthylidene]amino]oxamide (BHO) and N,N′-bis[2-methoxybenzylidene]amino]oxamide (BMO)} have been synthesized by a general methodology. Hydrazone ligands (BHO and BMO) were obtained by the condensation of oxalic dihydrazide with 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde and 2-methoxybenzaldehyde. From the data obtained from the spectral (mass, IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis, ESR), magnetic and thermal measurements in addition to the elemental analyses (CHNM), the structures of ligands and their complexes have been determined. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the complex surface. The ligands coordinated with the metal center in a bi-dentate way forming binuclear Mn–BHO and mononuclear Mn–BMO complexes. The manganese complexes are proposed to have octahedral stereochemistry. The ligands and manganese(ii) complexes have been assessed for their antibacterial and antileukemia activities. The proliferation hindrance for the free ligands was enhanced upon coordination with the manganese(ii) ions.