Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of hetero binuclear CuII Schiff base complexes

A series of transition metal Schiff base ligand complexes derived from N,N'-1,2-ethylenebis(salicylaldimine) or N,N'-1,2-propylenebis(salicylaldimine) were synthesized. The general composition of the complexes is MaL center dot MbL', where M-a = Cu, M-b = Rb or Cs, L = N,N'-1,2-ethylenebis(salicylaldimine) (ES) or N,N'-1,2-propylenebis(salicylaldimine) (PS), L' = deprotonated o-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, 1-nitroso-2-naphthol, 8-hydroxyquinoline. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, infrared spectra and UV-Visible spectra. The metal chelate of Schiff base acts as bidentate ligand and coordinates through phenolic oxygen atoms. The hetero binuclear Schiff base complexes were screened for their antibacterial activity against bacteria Escherichia coli MTCC 739, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 and for antifungal activity against fungus Candida albicans MTCC 227.