Cytotoxicity and -glucosidase inhibition studies of Cu(II) and Ni(II) salicylhydroxamic acid complexes

Abstract

Hydroxamic acids (RCONHOH) are weak acids that can exist naturally or synthetically. These acids are easy to deprotonate and produce hydroxamate ions. The syntheses, physico-chemical and characterization of salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA) and its copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes were reported herein. The metal complexes were synthesized by condensation reaction of SHA with metal salts in 2:1 molar ratio. SHA and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, 1 H and 13 C NMR, UV-Vis, TGA, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance. From IR and magnetic susceptibility, each complexes coordinated to the metal via oxygen atoms ( O,O ) in a bidentate manner to form octahedral geometries. The molar conductance values suggested that all complexes were non-electrolytes. A cytotoxicity study against HCT116 displayed that Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes have better anticancer than their parent ligands, SHA but not categorized as potent anticancer agents. Both complexes have better inhibition towards a-glucosidase compared to acarbose, suggesting that Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes have potential as antidiabetic agents.