Synthesis, characterization and biological properties of mixed ligand complexes of cobalt(II/III) valproate with 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline and 1,10‐phenanthroline

Abstract

The synthesis of mononuclear cobalt(II/III) complexes with two different ligands (complex 2: [Co(valp)2(2,9‐dmp)] and complex 3: [Co(valp)2(H2O)(1,10‐phen)]) was investigated and the characterization of both complexes was achieved using IR, UV–Vis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Using single crystal X‐ray diffraction, the crystal structure of each of the complexes was determined. Additionally, the biological activity of these complexes was studied in five gram‐positive and four gram‐negative bacterial strains. Whereas in all gram‐negative bacteria tested, cobalt valproate complexes did not show any anti‐bacterial activity, both complexes had effects on gram positive bacteria. Complex 2 demonstrated good anti‐bacterial activity against all gram‐positive bacteria with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging between 15–28 mm. Complex 3 exhibited low inhibition activity against all gram‐positive bacteria except E. faecalis with IZD ranging between 11.3–13.7 mm. Moreover, as an indication of its uses as industrial catalyst, the rate of bis(p‐nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) hydrolysis when catalyzed by these complexes was measured at different temperatures, concentrations and pH. Complex 2 proved to be a better catalyst to induce the hydrolysis of BNPP.