Synthesis and characterization of a novel non-symmetrical bidentate Schiff base ligand and its Ni(II) complex: electrochemical and antioxidant studies

Abstract

This paper describes the synthesis and properties of a new nitro-substituted bidentate Schiff base ligand (HL) and its nickel complex (Ni(II)-2L). Its ligand was derived from the condensation of 2′-methoxyphenyl-2-ethylamine with 5-nitro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. This ligand and its nickel complex were characterized through elemental analysis, UV–Vis, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The molecular structure of the nickel complex was confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This complex crystallizes in dichloromethane in triclinic system, space group of P-1 with a = 6.6803 (2), b = 9.6702 (2), c = 12.1836 (3) and 1 formula unit in the cell. The obtained data revealed that the Ni(II) center is tetra-coordinated by two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms involving two ligands. Cyclic voltammograms of the nickel complex, recorded in DMF solutions, showed one quasi-reversible redox couple related to the Ni(II)/Ni(I) couple, demonstrating its electro-activity. This indicates a slow redox transition and/or electron exchange process, which implies that this electrochemical process is mainly diffusion-controlled. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated from the reactivity with the free radical DPPH, showing IC50 values between 0.4 and 4.5 mg/mL.