Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding propensity, nuclease efficacy, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes derived from 4-(trifluoromethoxy)aniline Schiff bases

Abstract

Abstract A series of binary metal complexes [M(L1)2] and [M(L2)2], (where M = Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)) of Schiff bases, HL1 = 2-((E)-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylimino)methyl)-4-methylphenol, HL2 = 2-((E)-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylimino)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol, were synthesized and characterized by different analytical and spectral techniques. The spectral studies revealed that the complexes possess a square planar arrangement around the metal ions. DNA binding studies were investigated against calf thymus DNA and found that the compounds bound to DNA through an intercalation mode. The role of compounds in oxidative and photolytic cleavage of supercoiled pBR322 DNA was considered and emphasized that the complexes can cleave the DNA efficiently. The antioxidant activity of ligands and their complexes was evaluated by DPPH assay method and observed that the complexes found to be potent free radical scavengers. Finally, the in vitro antimicrobial activities by paper disc methods have shown that the complexes are more biocidally active than the free Schiff base ligands.