Ligational behavior of a new bis (bidentate NO) donor hydrazone towards Co (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) ions: Preparation, spectral, thermal, biological, docking, and theoretical studies

Abstract

Reaction of 4,6‐bis(1‐hydrazonoethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diol with 3‐nitrobenzaldehyde gave the new bis (bidentate) hydrazone ligand; 4,6‐bis(3‐nitrobenzalen‐1‐yl)methylene)hydrazono)ethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diol (H2L; H2BisBD). Binuclear Co (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) complexes of general formula ([M2BisBD(H2O)x (EtOH)y].nH2O; M = Co, Ni or Cu, x = 4 or 6, y = 2 or 0; n = 1 or 0) have been successfully prepared. The structures of H2BisBD and its complexes have been characterized by means of analytical, spectroscopic (infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, UV–Vis, and electron spin resonance), molar conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. Octahedral geometrical structures were proposed for all complexes in which the hydrazone ligand behaves as a bis (monoanionic bidentate) via azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen donor atoms. The scanning electron microscopy refers that the copper (II) complex is in the nano scale. The ligand and its complexes showed antitumor activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma. Complexation process improved the antitumor activity, and copper (II) complex showed a promising activity, which agree with docking data. Theoretical studies for the prepared compounds were calculated using Hyperchem program at PM3.