Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and comparative DNA binding studies of Schiff base complexes derived from L-leucine and glyoxal.

The mononuclear Schiff base complexes of the type, [ML(CH(3)OH)(2)] [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)] have been synthesized by template condensation of L-leucine and glyoxal. The complexes have been characterized on the basis of the results of the elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectroscopic studies viz, FT-IR, Mass, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectra. The UV-vis and magnetic moment data revealed an octahedral geometry around Co(II), Ni(II) ion with distortion around Cu(II) ion complex confirmed by EPR data. The conductivity data show a non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies support that all the complexes exhibit a significant binding to calf thymus DNA.