bis-Schiff Base Ligand Research Articles

Pd(II) and Ni(II) complexes containing an asymmetric Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, x-ray crystal structure, spectroscopic investigations and computational studies

A new N2O2 Schiff base ligand bis(5-Bromosalicylidene)-4-methylbenzene-1,2-diamine), [H2L] was prepared from the reaction of 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diamine with 5- bromosalicylaldehyde. From the direct reaction of ligand [H2L] with nickel(II) and palladium(II) salts in methanol and acetonitrile solutions the neutral [NiL] and [PdL] complexes were prepared. The products were characterized using elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR spectroscopy techniques. The results indicate that all compounds are successfully synthesized. The crystal structure of the Pd(II) complex was also determined. X-ray crystal structure of [PdL] showed that the complex contains palladium(II) in a distorted square planar environment of N2O2 donors. DFT and TD-DFT calculations have been done using M06–2X and B3LYP levels with Def2-TZVP and ATZP basis sets. The quantum chemical calculations supported the experimental crystal structure of [PdL] complex. The proposed coordination geometry around the Ni atom in [NiL] complex is defined as slightly distorted square planar by DFT studies. NBO-CMO calculations have been performed to interpret electronic transitions.

Urease inhibition studies of six Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes with two sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligands: An experimental and DFT computational study

Six novel complexes, [Ni(C36H34N2O10)]·2.25CH3OH·0.5C4H10O (1), [Co(C36H34N2O10)] (2), [Cu(C36H34N2O10)]·2CH3OH (3), [Ni(C36H32N2O8Cl2)]·2CH3OH (4), [Co(C36H32N2O8Cl2)]·4CH3OH (5) and [Cu(C36H32N2O8Cl2)]·2CH3OH (6) with two sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligands (C36H34N2O10 = 1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-tyrosine; C36H32N2O8Cl2 = 1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-4-chlorophenylalanine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Theoretical calculation of the six complexes was carried out by density functional theory (DFT) Becke's three-parameter hybrid (B3LYP) method employing the 6-3lG basis set, indicating that the calculation results are in accordance with experimental results. Moreover, the inhibitory activities of complexes 1–6 were tested in vitro against jack bean urease. At the same time, molecular docking was investigated to determine the probable binding mode. The experimental values and docking simulation exhibited that complexes 3 and 6 showed strong inhibitory activity (IC50 = 10.36 ± 1.13, 15.63 ± 3.04 μM) compared with the positive reference acetohydroxamic acid (IC50 = 26.99 ± 1.43 μM). Their structure-inhibitory activity relationship was further discussed from the perspective of molecular docking and theoretical calculation.

Trivalent copper stabilised by acetylacetone dithiocarbazate Schiff base ligands: structural, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties.

The copper coordination chemistry of N2S2 Schiff base ligands derived from acetylacetone and S-methyl or S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (H3acacsR, R = Me, Bn) reveals a rich variety of products depending on the reaction conditions. The free ligands spontaneously cyclise to their pyrazoline isomers but ring-open upon complexation with CuII. In the absence of oxygen, the ligands form CuIIN2S2 complexes ([CuII(HacacsR)]) that have been characterised electrochemically, spectroscopically and structurally. Intermediates in the complexation reaction are observed with time-resolved UV-Vis spectroscopy. Upon exposure to air, a number of different complexes are formed. Facile oxidation of [CuII(HacacsR)] to the trivalent analogue [CuIII(acacsR)] occurs in air. This compound is the precursor to two further oxidation reactions; one to the ketone [CuII(acacsRO)] where a carbonyl group has been installed at the apical C atom of the acetylacetone moiety and another to afford the novel dinuclear complex [(CuIII(acacsR))2]. The presence of excess base (Et3N) favours formation of the dimer.

Steric and Electronic Factors Affecting the Conformation of Bimetallic CuI Complexes: Effect of the Aliphatic Spacer of Tetracoordinating Schiff-Base Ligands.

A family of six homoleptic [CuI (Ln )]2 (ClO4 )2 and six heteroleptic [CuI (Ln )(PPh3 )2 ]2 (ClO4 )2 bimetallic complexes, in which Ln are bis-Schiff base ligands with alkyl spacers of variable length (n=2-7 -CH2 -), were prepared to evaluate the role of the spacer on the formation of helicates or mesocates. In the homoleptic series, spectroscopic and theoretical studies indicate that preferences for a conformation are based on energetic parameters, mainly, the establishment of noncovalent interactions. The odd-even nature of the spacers preconditions the superposition of the aromatic rings to allow the juxtaposition necessary for noncovalent interactions, whereas the increase of the length reduces the strength of such interactions. Consequently, complexes with even-spacers of short length were identified as helicates in solution, [CuI (Ln )]22+ (n=2, 4). Complexes [CuI (Ln )]22+ (n=3-7) dissociate in solution to produce the monometallic complexes in equilibrium, [CuI (Ln )]+ . The stability of the bimetallic species is discussed in terms of their conformations. The set of heteroleptic complexes was prepared to evaluate the reach of the "odd-even rule" in the solid, which is based on the "zig-zag" arrangements of the spacers. Based on crystallographic information, "S-" and "C"-type conformations of Ln are related to even and odd spacers, respectively. This trend is considered in addition to other factors to explain preferences for either a mesocate or helicate conformation in the homoleptic series.

Synthesis, crystal structure and biological property of a novel phenolato-bridged trinuclear copper(II) complex derived from bis-Schiff base ligand

A novel chlorido-coordinated and phenolato-bridged trinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu3L2Cl2], derived from the Schiff base N,N′-bis(5-bromosalicylidene)propane-1,3-diamine (H2L), was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal of the complex crystalizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmca, with a = 22.8644(15), b = 10.6187(7), c = 15.7887(10) Å, V = 3833.3(4) Å3, Z = 4. The complex possesses crytallographic inversion center symmetry, with the inversion center located at the inner Cu atom. The outer two Cu atoms are in square pyramidal coordination, and the inner Cu atom is in square planar coordination. The antibacterial activity of the complex was studied, which indicated that it is more active against E. coli.

Some new metal(II) complexes based on bis-Schiff base ligand derived from 2-acetylethiophine and 2,6-diaminopyridine: Syntheses, structural investigation, thermal, fluorescence and catalytic activity studies

A novel Schiff base ligand N, N′-bis (1-(thiophen-2-yl) ethylidene) pyridine-2, 6-diamine has been prepared by the condensation of 2,6-diaminopyridine and 2- acetylthiophene in ethanol in the molar ratio of 1:2. The Study by analytical and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the complexes have composition with the general formulae: [MLX2]· nH2O, where (M = Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu; X = Cl; n = 4, 6, 6, 2), respectively. All the metal (II) complexes have been characterized with elemental analysis, FT−IR, Mass, 1H NMR, UV–Vis, magnetic moment, thermal analysis (TG and DTG) techniques, molar conductance and fluorescence spectra. Non electrolyte of complexes using DMF as a solvent is due to their low molar conductance. From FTIR spectral data, the coordination between the central metal ion with azomethine nitrogen and sulfur of acetylthiophene ring are confirmed. An octahedral geometry of all metal(II) complexes is investigated from electronic and magnetic data. The kinetic analysis of the thermogravimetric data was performed by using the Coats-Redfern equation. The fluorescence properties of theses complexes in DMSO, DMF, and CH3CN were studied. The effect of pH influencing the fluorescence intensity is discussed. The catalytic activities of metal(II) complexes were studied using H2O2 solution.

Three Zn(II) complexes with a sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, characterization, DFT studies, in vitro antimicrobial evaluation and molecular docking studies

Three Zn(II) complexes with a sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand, namely Zn(C36H34N2O8)·2CH3OH (1), Zn(C28H34N2O8S2)·CH3OH (2) and Zn(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (3), (L1, C36H34N2O8=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-phenylalanine; L2, C28H34N2O8S2=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-methionine; L3, C40H36N4O8=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-tryptophan) were synthesized and fully characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The X-ray crystallography shows that the metal atoms of three complexes are all six-coordinate with two nitrogen atoms from CN groups, two oxygen atoms from ether groups and two carboxylic oxygen atoms in the mono-ligand, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. Theoretical studies of the three complexes were carried out by density functional theory (DFT) Becke’s three-parameter hybrid (B3LYP) method employing the 6–31G basis set. Moreover, the antimicrobial activities of the complexes were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by the agar-well diffusion method. The experiment showed that complex 2 exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity. At the same time, molecular docking was investigated to determine the molecular interaction of the complexes with microbial synthase. The docking simulation exhibited that complex 2 was well embedded into the active pocket of the enzyme and showed a more stabilized structure than complex 1 and 3. Their structure-activity relationships were further discussed.

Synthesis, crystal structure, antioxidation and fluorescence of two lanthanide complexes with a noncyclic polyether Schiff base ligand

Two lanthanide (Sm and La) complexes with the Schiff base ligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine (Bod) have been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. [Sm(Bod)(NO3)3] {bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine samarium(III) trinitrate} (1) is a discrete mononuclear species and [La(Bod)(NO3)3(DMF)]n {bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine dimethylformamide lanthanum(III) trinitrate}n (2) formed an inorganic coordination polymer. In the two complexes, the metal ions are both ten-coordinate and the geometric structure around the Ln(III) ions can be described as distorted hexadecahedral. An antioxidant assay in vitro shows that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit better scavenging activity than both the ligand and the usual antioxidants on hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Under excitation at room temperature, a red shift in the fluorescence band of the ligand in the complexes compared with that of the free ligand can be attributed to coordination of the rare earth ions to the ligand. Furthermore, 1 produced characteristic Sm(III) luminescence, which indicates the ligand Bod is a good organic chelator to absorb energy and transfer it to the Sm3+ ion.

Bis-ZnII salphen complexes bearing pyridyl functionalized ligands for efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)

Inspired by the emissive features of ZnII complexes based on bis-Schiff base ligands, bis-ZnII salphen complexes bearing pyridyl functionalized ligands have been successfully synthesized. Their photophysical features, electrochemical behavior and electroluminescent (EL) properties have been investigated in detail. The functionalized bis-ZnII salphen complexes can exhibit high thermal stability up to 417 °C, and their photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a maximal emission wavelength peak at ca. 565 nm both in solution and PMMA doped films. The PL investigation of the neat films for these functionalized bis-ZnII salphen complexes indicated that the pyridyl functionalized ligands can effectively reduce the degree of molecular aggregation to enhance their emission intensity. Taking advantage of the charge carrier injection/transporting ability of the pyridyl functionalized ligands and their dendritic design, the optimized EL devices fabricated by a simple solution-processing method can achieve a peak luminance (Lmax) of 3589 cd m-2, a maximal external quantum efficiency (ηext) of 1.46%, a maximal current efficiency (ηL) of 4.1 cd A-1 and a maximal power efficiency (ηp) of 3.8 lm W-1. These results should afford important instructions for exploiting high performance fluorescent emitters based on dinuclear ZnII complexes.

Synthesis, crystal structures, DFT studies, molecular docking and urease inhibition studies of three Ni(II) complexes with a sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand

Three Ni(II) complexes with a sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand, namely Ni(C36H34N2O8)·2CH3OH (1), Ni(C28H34N2O8S2)·H2O (2) and Ni(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (3) (C36H34N2O8=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-phenylalanine; C28H34N2O8S2=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-methionine; C40H36N4O8=1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-tryptophan) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Theoretical studies of the three complexes were carried out by density functional theory (DFT) Becke's three-parameter hybrid (B3LYP) method employing the 6-31G basis set. Moreover, the inhibitory activities were tested in vitro against jack bean urease. At the same time, molecular docking was investigated to determine the probable binding mode by inserting the complexes into the active site of jack bean urease. The experimental values and docking simulation exhibited that complex 3 showed strong inhibitory activity (IC50=11.27±2.08μM) compared with the positive reference acetohydroxamic acid. Their structure-activity relationships were further discussed.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Antimicrobial Activity of Manganese(III) and Iron(III) Complexes Derived from Similar bis-Schiff Bases

A new manganese(III) complex, [Mn(L1)(CH3OH)(dca)] 1, and a new iron(III) complex, [Fe(L2)(CH3OH)(NCS)] 2, for which dca is dicyanoamide anion, and L1 and L2 are the dianionic form of N,N′-3,4-methylphenylenebis(5-methylsalicylaldimine) and N,N′-bis(5-methylsalicylidene)-o-phenylenediamine, respectively, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic determination. The crystal of complex 1 is orthorhombic: space group Pna21, a = 14.6557(6), b = 10.8906(5), c = 15.0536(7) Å, V = 2402.7(2) Å3, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0321, wR2 = 0.0715. The crystal of complex 2 is monoclinic: space group C2/c, a = 14.6798(9), b = 11.1306(7), c = 27.831(1) Å, β = 93.782(2)°, V = 4537.6(5) Å3, Z = 8, R1 = 0.0423, wR2 = 0.1027. The bis-Schiff base ligands coordinate to the metal center through phenolate O and imine N atoms. Both the Mn and Fe atoms in the complexes are in octahedral coordination, with the equatorial donor atoms come from the Schiff base ligands, and with the axial donor atoms come from a methanol O atom and a pseudohalide N atom. The effects of the complexes on the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were studied.

Study on the fluorescent chemosensors based on a series of bis-Schiff bases for the detection of zinc(II)

In order to study the influence of different substituent groups on the fluorescence properties, a series of bis-Schiff bases (L) with electron-donating groups (salicylaldehyde, o-vanillin, 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) and electron-drawing group (4-formylbenzoic acid) have been synthesized, and characterized by IR spectrum, NMR, mass spectrum, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The investigation of the fluorescent properties reveals that the fluorescence can be enhanced when the bis-Schiff base ligands with electron-donating groups complex with Zn ion, while other kinds of metal complexes with these ligands do not show any enhancement, whereas no fluorescence enhancement can be observed when the ligand with electron-drawing group complexes with all different types of metal ions. In addition, as for the ligands with electron-donating groups detecting zinc ion, the fluorescence intensity is linear correlated with the concentration of zinc ion. Therefore, the study indicates that the ligands with electron-donating groups can be used as Zn ion fluorescent sensor.

Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT study and photocatalytic property of a new Ni(II) complex of a symmetric N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand

A new complex, Ni(C22H26N2O10S2)·2CH3OH, with a sexidentate (N2O4) symmetric bis-Schiff base ligand (C22H26N2O10S2 = 1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid) has been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the Ni(II) atom of the complex is six-coordinated by two nitrogens from CN groups, two oxygens from ether groups and two hydroxyl oxygens from sulfonic acid groups in the mono-ligand, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. Theoretical study of the complex is carried out by density functional theory (DFT) method and the B3LYP method employing the 6-3l+G* basis set. Moreover, the complex proved to be good candidate for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

Synthesis, crystal structure and antimicrobial activity of a hetero trinuclear manganese(III)-iron(II) complex derived from N,N’-bis(5-methylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane

A new hetero trinuclear manganese(III)-iron(II) complex, [Mn(salen)(H2O)]2[Fe(CN)6], in which salen is the dianionic form of N,N’-bis(5-methylsalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane, has been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single crystal X-ray crystallographic determination. The crystal of the complex is monoclinic: space group P21/c, a = 10.768(2), b = 14.248(3), c = 15.222(3) Å, β = 95.394(2)º, V = 2325.0(8) Å3, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0754, wR2 = 0.2366. The bis-Schiff base ligand coordinates to the Mn atom through phenolate O and imine N atoms. Each Mn atom in the complex is in octahedral coordination, with the equatorial donor atoms come from the Schiff base ligand, and with the axial donor atoms come from a water O atom and a cyanide N atom. The effects of the complex on the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were studied. KEY WORDS: Schiff base, Manganese(III) complex, Iron(II) complex, Heteronuclear, Crystal structure Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2015, 29(3), 407-413.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v29i3.8

Characterization and luminescent properties of zinc–Schiff base complexes for organic white light emitting devices

AbstractZinc complexes with Schiff base ligands bis(salicylidene)ethylene-1,2-diamine (salen), bis(salicylidene)propylene-1,3-diamine (salpen), bis(salicylidene)butylene-1,4-diamine (salbutene), bis(salicylidene)hexylene-1,6-diamine (salhexene), bis(salicylidene)heptylene-1,7-diamine (salheptene) were synthesized and characterized. All these metal complexes exhibited high thermal stability. The photo-physical properties of zinc complexes were investigated by taking their UV–vis absorption and photoluminescent spectra. The complexes of Schiff bases with zinc gave blue luminescence (430–450 nm) under excitation of ultraviolet energy source which can be efficiently used for the generation of white light for display applications.

Synthesis, crystal structures and photocatalytic properties of Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II) complexes with a symmetric open-chain N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand

Three complexes, Zn(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (1), Ni(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (2) and Co(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (3), with a sexidentate (N2O4) symmetric bis-Schiff base ligand (C40H36N4O8 = 1,2-bis(2-methoxy-6-formylphenoxy)ethane-l-tryptophan) have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The X-ray crystal structures show that the metal atoms of three complexes are all six-coordinated by two nitrogens from C=N groups, two oxygens from ether groups and two carboxylic oxygens in the mono-ligand, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. The complexes were screened as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue, rhodamine B and methyl violet. All three complexes proved to be good candidates for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and complexes 2–3 are also good photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B. The mechanism of these photocatalytic degradations is discussed. The main characterization and photocatalytic experiment of three complexes.

Zn(II) and Co(III) metallosupramolecular assemblies derived from a rigid bis-Schiff base ligand

A rigid, conjugated bis-Schiff base ligand N,N-bis(3-ethoxysalicylidene)hydrazine (H2L) was synthesized and its crystal structure was reported, which exhibited a planar and centrosymmetrical structure in the solid state. The metal-mediated self-assembly of H2L with zinc(II) and cobalt(II) acetates was investigated with the aim to reveal its potential as a versatile precursor for assembling novel metallosupramolecular entities. The solution reaction of H2L with Zn(OAc)2·2H2O led to the formation of a discrete pentanuclear bis-ligand complex containing a μ2-O-bridging Zn5 cluster. However, upon changing the reaction conditions a one-dimensional (1-D) supramolecular polymeric chain consisting of Zn3 clusters was revealed. Moving from zinc(II) to cobalt(II), an interesting dinuclear triple-stranded helicate with two CoIII centres existing as a pair of P- and M-handed enantiomers was observed, resulting from the aerobic oxidation of CoII. The solid-state photoluminescence properties of the free ligand and zinc(II) assemblies were studied.

A hetero trinuclear manganese(III)-iron(II) complex derived from N,N′-bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane: Synthesis, crystal structure, and antimicrobial activity

A new hetero trinuclear manganese(III)-iron(II) complex, [Mn(ClSalen)(H2O)]2[Fe(CN)5(NO)] · CH3OH · H2O, where ClSalen is the dianionic form of N,N′-bis(5-chlorosalicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane, has been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and single crystal X-ray crystallographic determination (CIF file CCDC no. 1024666). The crystal of the complex is orthorhombic: space group Pca21, a = 27.784(2), b = 10.8876(6), c = 15.1755(8) A, V = 4590.5(4) A3, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0596, wR2 = 0.1406. The bis-Schiff base ligand coordinates to the Mn atom through two phenolate O and two imine N atoms. Each Mn atom in the complex is in octahedral coordination, with the equatorial donor atoms come from the Schiff base ligand, and with the axial donor atoms come from a water O atom and a cyanide N atom. The effects of the complex on the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were studied.

Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, and Antimicrobial Activity of a Novel Dinuclear Zinc(II) Complex Derived From N,N′-Bis(5-Fluoro-2-Hydroxybenzylidene)-1,3-Diaminopropane

A new dinuclear zinc(II) complex derived from the bis-Schiff base ligand N,N'-bis(5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane (H2L) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with a = 10.100(1), b = 8.953(1), c = 27.664(1) Å, β = 106.406(2)°, V = 2399.8(3) Å3, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0785, wR2 = 0.1336, S = 1.067. The ZnZn distance is 3.106(1) Å. The inner Zn atom is in a square pyramidal coordination, with two imino N and two phenolate O atoms of the Schiff base ligand defining the basal plane, and with one methanol O atom locating at the apical position. The outer Zn atom is coordinated by two phenolate O atoms and two Br atoms, forming a tetrahedral coordination. The molecules are linked through O–HO and O–HBr hydrogen bonds, forming 1D chains along the b axis. The free Schiff base and the zinc complex were evaluated for their antibacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and antifungal (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) activities by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) method.

Coordination behavior of new bis Schiff base ligand derived from 2-furan carboxaldehyde and propane-1,3-diamine. Spectroscopic, thermal, anticancer and antibacterial activity studies

Novel bis Schiff base ligand, [N1,N3-bis(furan-2-ylmethylene)propane-1,3-diamine], was prepared by the condensation of furan-2-carboxaldehyde with propane-1,3-diamine. Its conformational changes on complexation with transition metal ions [Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III)] have been studied on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, spectral (infrared, 1H NMR, electronic), magnetic and thermogravimetric studies. The conductance data of the complexes revealed their electrolytic nature suggesting them as 1:2 (for bivalent metal ions) and 1:3 (for Fe(III) ion) electrolytes. The complexes were found to have octahedral geometry based on magnetic moment and solid reflectance measurements. Thermal analysis data revealed the decomposition of the complexes in successive steps with the removal of anions, coordinated water and bis Schiff base ligand. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated using Coats–Redfern equation. The Anticancer screening studies were performed on human colorectal cancer (HCT), hepatic cancer (HepG2) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. The antimicrobial activity of all the compounds was studied against Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris) and Gram positive (Bacillus vulgaris and Staphylococcus pyogones) bacteria. It was observed that the coordination of metal ion has a pronounced effect on the microbial activities of the bis Schiff base ligand. All the metal complexes have shown higher antimicrobial effect than the free bis Schiff base ligand.