Spectroscopic studies on Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with N-donor tetradentate (N4) macrocyclic ligand derived from ethylcinnamate moiety.

Manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) complexes are synthesized with a novel tetradentate ligand, viz. 1,5,9,13-tetraaza-6,14-dioxo-8,16-diphenylcyclohexadecane (L) and characterized by the elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, 1H NMR, IR, electronic, and EPR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMSO correspond to be nonelectrolyte nature for Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) whereas 1:2 electrolytes for Ni(II) complexes. Thus, these complexes may be formulated as [M(L)X(2)] and [Ni(L)]X(2), respectively (where M = Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) and X = Cl- and NO(3-)). On the basis of IR, electronic, and EPR spectral studies an octahedral geometry has been assigned for Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes, square-planar for Ni(II) whereas tetragonal for Cu(II) complexes. The ligand and its complexes were also evaluated against the growth of bacteria and pathogenic fungi in vitro.