Synthesis, crystal structures, biological activities and fluorescence studies of transition metal complexes with 3-carbaldehyde chromone thiosemicarbazone.

3-carbaldehyde chromone thiosemicarbazone (L) and its transition metal complexes were synthesized and characterized systematically. Crystal structures of Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Zn(II) complex exhibits blue fluorescence under UV light and its fluorescent property in solid state was investigated. Interactions of ligand and Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes with DNA were investigated by spectral and viscosity studies, indicating the compounds bind to DNA via intercalation and Zn(II) complex binds to DNA most strongly. Antioxidant tests in vitro show the compounds possess significant antioxidant activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and the scavenging effects of Cu(II) complex are stronger than Zn(II), Ni(II) complexes and some standard antioxidants, such as mannitol and vitamin C.