Synthesis, spectral characterization, thermal, anticancer and antimicrobial studies of bidentate azo dye metal complexes

Abstract

As a part of systematic investigation of biologically active compound, m-phenylene diamine, new azo dye ligand was synthesized by diazotization of m-phenylene diamine and coupled with coupling compound, p-methoxy benzaldehyde. A new series of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes derived from this azo dye ligand (L) were synthesized. The structures of the ligand and metal complexes were confirmed by elemental analysis, spectroscopic studies (IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility and ESR), conductivity measurements, thermogravimetric analyses (TG-DTG) and X-ray powder diffraction. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMF determine electrolytic nature of the complexes. On the basis of elemental and thermal analyses, magnetic moment, electronic and ESR spectral studies, an octahedral geometry was assigned for metal complexes. XRD data reflect that azo dye ligand and its Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are amorphous while Cd(II) complex is crystalline. Also, the newly synthesized azo dye ligand, in comparison with metal complexes, is screened for its antimicrobial and anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF7). The results showed that Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes have higher anti-breast cancer activity than free ligand.