Investigating spectroscopic properties, biological effects, and molecular docking studies of synthesized Schiff base metal complexes

Abstract

In this current investigation, we have accomplished the synthesis of a Schiff base ligand termed (E)-4-methyl-N′-(2,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (HL) through a reversible condensation reaction, which engaged a carbonyl compound and a primary amine. This synthesized Schiff base ligand, HL, served as the foundation for the preparation of two metal complexes, namely, M1L (Cu complex) and M2L (La complex). To characterize these compounds, we employed various analytical techniques, including thermogravimetric studies, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and 1H NMR. The examination of powder X-ray diffraction data provided valuable insights into the crystalline structures of the Cu and La complexes. These shifts are indicative of structural changes in the complexes. Our electronic spectrum analysis revealed the pivotal involvement of the ligand in promoting charge transfer processes, substantiated by an increased concentration of charge transfer transitions observed when the ligand was present. Additionally, we evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the Schiff base ligand HL and its metal complexes (Cu, La) against a spectrum of bacteria, encompassing both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) strains. In the current investigation, we utilized molecular docking techniques to explore the interactions between the synthesized HL and its M1L and M2L complexes with protein receptor molecules. These results highlighted the favorable binding energies and stable interactions of these compounds with the protein receptor, M1L displayed notably more stable interactions and lower binding energy compared to M2L. This suggests that M1L may have a stronger potential impact on the free binding energy and molecular interactions.