Organotin(IV) oxo -homoscorpionate: preparation, spectroscopic characterization and antimicrobial properties

Abstract

An oxo-homoscorpionate ligand [potassium bis(phthalato)borate] (KL) was prepared by solid state reaction of potassium borohydride and phthalic acid (1 : 3 molar ratio). The ligand is uninegative and can be a bi, tri and tetra-dentate chelating agent. The di- and tri-organotin(IV) complexes of this ligand are formed by replacement of chloride in R2SnCl2 and (R = methyl, butyl and R′ = phenyl and butyl). The ligand and all its complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral studies (IR, 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR and ESI mass spectra). Spectroscopic data reveal that all the complexes are hexacoordinate; the diorganotin complexes have trans octahedral geometry while the triorganotin complexes are distorted octahedral geometry. The toxicity of these organotin(IV) derivatives on selected microbes was considered. The compounds exhibit antibacterial (Bacillus anthracius and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Candida albicans and Penicillium italicum) activities in vitro. The ligand shows less toxicity towards the microorganisms and its toxicity significantly increased after complexation with organotin(IV). Triorganotin derivatives (R3SnL) of the ligand are more effective compared to diorganotin derivatives (R2SnL2).