Synthesis, spectral characterization, in vitro biological and DNA cleavage studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes with 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) have been synthesized with newly-derived biologically active ligands. These ligands were synthesized by condensation of 3-substituted-4-amino-5-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazole and orthophthalaldehyde. The probable structure of the complexes has been proposed on the basis of elemental analyses and spectral (IR, 1H-NMR, UV-vis, magnetic, ESR, FAB-mass and thermal studies) data. Electrochemical study of the complexes is also made. All complexes are nonelectrolytes in N,N-dimethyl formamide and DMSO. The Schiff bases and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and cladosporium) activities by minimum inhibitory concentration method. DNA cleavage is also carried out.