Spectroscopic characterization and biological activity of Zn(II), Cd(II), Sn(II) and Pb(II) complexes with Schiff base derived from pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and 2-amino phenol.

A new Schiff base 2-aminophenol-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and its Zn(II), Cd(II), Sn(II) and Pb(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical studies. Spectral studies (IR and (1)H NMR) indicate deprotonation and coordination of phenolic oxygen along with binding of pyrrole nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and anion with metal ions. The presence of lattice water molecule(s) has also been confirmed by TG/DTA studies. Mass spectrum explains the successive degradation of the molecular species in solution and justifies ML complexes. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were computed from the thermal data using Coats and Redfern method, which confirm first order kinetics. The bio-efficacy of the ligand and their complexes has been examined against the growth of bacteria in vitro to evaluate their antimicrobial potential. Molecular structures of the complexes have been optimized by MM2 calculations and suggest a tetrahedral geometry around metal ions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.