Microwave-assisted synthesis, crystal structures, and in vitro antibacterial studies of zinc(II) and nickel(II) complexes with Schiff bases

Abstract

The syntheses of a mononuclear zinc(II) complex [ZnCl(L¹)(Amp)] (I) and a mononuclear nickel(II) complex [Ni(L²)(HL²)](BF₄) · 0.5H₂O (II) (HL¹ = 4-methyl-2-[(4-methylpyridin-2-ylimino) methyl]phenol, HL² = 4-methyl-2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethylimino)methyl]phenol; Amp = 2-amino-4- methylpyridine) were prepared under microwave irradiation. The complexes were characterized by a combination of elemental analyses, and IR and electronic spectra. Their structures were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography (СIF files CCDC nos 1437737 (I), 1437738 (II)). The Zn atom in the monomeric complex I is in tetrahedral coordination. The Ni atoms in the dimeric complex II are in octahedral coordination. Crystals of the complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. In order to evaluate the biological activity of the complexes, in vitro antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assayed. The complexes have strong activity against Bacillus subtilis.