Synthesis, cytotoxic, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of some metal complexes of a novel tetradentate Schiff base ligand, (E)-3-((2-((E)-(1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene)amino)ethyl)imino)-N-phenylbutanamide

Abstract

A novel tetradentate Schiff base ligand, (E)-3-((2-((E)-(1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene)amino)ethyl)imino)-N-phenylbutanamide (HEAc) and its VO(IV), Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized. Ligand, HEAc was characterized analytically and spectroscopically. Physico-chemical methods like elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurement and IR- and UV–vis spectral measurements were employed for the characterization of the complexes. The cytotoxic activities of ligand and its Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been evaluated. In-vitro cytotoxicity studies on ligand and its metal complexes showed potential cytotoxicity against Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cell lines. Antitumour activities of this Cu(II) complex was studied using Daltons Lymphoma Ascites cell-induced solid tumour model and Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma cell-induced ascites tumour model. Treatment with the Cu(II) complex at three different concentrations (15, 10 and 5 mg/kg body weight) subdued the solid tumour growth in experimental mice and increased the mean survival rate and the life span of Ascites tumour bearing mice in a concentration dependent manner. The copper complex showed highest antitumor activity and cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 47 μg/ml. It was observed that all the metal complexes were more potent bactericides and fungicides than the free ligand, HEAc and copper complex showed high antimicrobial activity than the others.