DNA cleavage, antimicrobial, spectroscopic and fluorescence studies of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with SNO donor coumarin Schiff bases.

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the type ML(2) have been synthesized with Schiff bases derived from methylthiosemicarbazone and 5-formyl-6-hydroxy coumarin/8-formyl-7-Hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. The complexes are insoluble in common organic solvents but soluble in DMF and DMSO. The measured molar conductance values in DMF indicate that, the complexes are non-electrolytes in nature. In view of analytical, spectral (IR, UV-vis, ESR, FAB-mass and fluorescence), magnetic and thermal studies, it has been concluded that, all the metal complexes possess octahedral geometry in which ligand is coordinated to metal ion through azomethine nitrogen, thione sulphur and phenolic oxygen atom via deprotonation. The redox behavior of the metal complexes was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. The Schiff bases and their complexes have been screened for their antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Cladosporium) by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration method. The DNA cleavage is studied by agarose gel electrophoresis method. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.