Synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA binding studies and antimicrobial activity of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and VO(IV) complexes with 4-aminoantipyrine Schiff base of ortho-vanillin.

A series of transition metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and VO(IV) have been synthesized involving the Schiff base, 2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzylideneamino)-pyrazol-5-one(L), obtained by condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine with 3-methoxy salicylaldehyde. Structural features were obtained from their FT-IR, UV-vis, NMR, ESI Mass, elemental analysis, magnetic moments, molar conductivity and thermal analysis studies. The Schiff base acts as a monovalent bidentate ligand, coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen atom. Based on elemental and spectral studies six coordinated geometry is assigned to Co(II), Ni(II), Fe(III) and VO(IV) complexes and four coordinated geometry is assigned to Zn(II) complex. The interaction of metal complexes with Calf thymus DNA were carried out by UV-VIS titrations, fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The binding constants (K(b)) of the complexes were determined as 5 × 10(5) M(-1) for Co(II) complex, 1.33 × 10(4) M(-1) for Ni(II) complex, 3.33 × 10(5) M(-1) for Zn(II) complex, 1.25 × 10(5) M(-1) for Fe(III) complex and 8 × 10(5) M(-1) for VO(IV) complex. Quenching studies of the complexes indicate that these complexes strongly bind to DNA. Viscosity measurements indicate the binding mode of complexes with CT DNA by intercalation through groove. The ligand and it's metal complexes were screened for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria. The results showed the metal complexes to be biologically active, while the ligand to be inactive.