Synthesis, spectral characterization, X-ray crystal structure, electrochemical studies, and DNA interactions of a Schiff base pro-ligand and its homobimetallic complexes containing the cysteamine moiety

A Schiff base, N,N'-(3,4-dithiahexane-1,6-diyl)bis(5-methylsalicylideneimine), was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Dimeric complexes of nickel(II), palladium(II), and vanadium(IV) were synthesized by the reactions of the Schiff base with nickel(II) acetate, palladium(II) acetate, and vanadyl acetylacetonate in 1:1 molar ratio. In all three complexes, the thiol group was deprotonated and coordinated to the metal. The X-ray structure of the Schiff base showed that in the crystalline form, the SH groups were oxidized to the corresponding disulfide. In the dimeric complexes, coordination took place through the azomethine nitrogen, enolic oxygen, and sulfur atoms. The metal-to-ligand ratio was 1:1, and molar conductance data revealed that the metal complexes were nonelectrolytes. The free Schiff base and its complexes showed photoluminescence in methanol at room temperature. The redox behavior of the compounds was studied by cyclic voltammetry in DMF, which showed both quasi-reversible and irreversible processes. The interaction of the complexes with DNA was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy.