New copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes based on azo Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, crystal structure, photoisomerization study and antibacterial activity

Newly synthesized mononuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes containing an azo Schiff base ligand (L), prepared by condensation of 2-hydroxy-5-(o-tolyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde and propylamine, were obtained and then characterized using infrared and NMR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. Ligand L behaves as a bidentate chelate by coordinating through deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen. The copper and zinc complexes crystallize in triclinic and orthorhombic systems, respectively, with space groups P(-)1 and Pca2(1). In these complexes, the Cu(II) ion is in a square planar geometry while the Zn(II) ion is in a distorted tetrahedral environment. The photochemical behaviors of ligand L, [Cu(L)(2)] and [Zn(L)(2)] were investigated. The azo group in L underwent reversible trans-cis isomerization under UV and visible irradiation. This process was inhibited for the complexes. In addition, ligand L and its copper and zinc complexes were assessed for their in vitro antibacterial activities against four pathogenic strains.