Synthesis and characterization of bioactive zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes with new Schiff bases derived from 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and acetophenone with ethylenediamine.

The new Schiff bases N,N'-bis (4-nitro benzaldehyde) ethylenediamine (L(1)) and N,N'-bis (acetophenone) ethylenediamine (L(2)) and its Zn(II), Cd(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by different physicochemical studies. Vibrational spectra indicate coordination of metal ion through azomethine nitrogen and acetate/nitrate ions. The presence of water molecule in all the complexes has been supported 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 bioefficacy of the ligands and their complexes have been examined against the growth of bacteria in vitro to evaluate their antimicrobial potential. The results indicate that the ligand and their metal complexes possess notable antimicrobial properties. X-ray powder diffraction determines the cell parameters of the complexes. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.