Synthesis of new unsymmetrical end-off phenoxo bridged copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes: spectral, magnetic, electrochemical, catalytic, and antimicrobial studies

A new class of unsymmetrical end-off, aminomethylated N-methylpiperazine and aminomethylated diethanolamine binucleating ligands, 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4-methylphenol (HL1) and 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4-acetylphenol (HL2) were synthesized by following sequential aromatic Mannich reactions. Their mononuclear and binuclear Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized and their formulation was confirmed by analytical and spectral analysis. The mononuclear Cu(II) complexes have a magnetic moment value close to the spin only value with four hyperfine EPR signals. The binuclear Cu(II) complexes have an antiferromagnetic interaction with a broad EPR signal. Electrochemical studies of the complexes reveal that all the redox processes are irreversible. Catecholase activity of Cu(II) complexes and the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenylphosphate using Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes were carried out. Spectral, magnetic, electrochemical, and catalytic behaviors of the complexes are compared on the basis of the p-substituent of the phenolic ring. Some of the complexes show significant growth inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.