Mode of antifungal activity and synthesis of mixed-ligand complexes

Mixed ligand complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with salicylidene-β-alanine potassium salt (KHL) and bis(m- aminoacetophenone)ethylenediamine (A) have been prepared. The complexes were characterized by various physicochemical methods including elemental analyses, thermogravimetry, magnetic measurements, and infrared and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The antifungal activity of individual ligands, metal nitrates and mixed-ligand complexes with respect to A. niger, F. oxysporum and A. flavus strains were evaluated by the plate poison technique in comparison to the solvent control (DMSO) and reference fungicides (bavistin and emcarb). The antifungal activity of mixed-ligand complexes was higher than that of the solvent, the individual ligands, and the corresponding metal salts, and moderate as compared to the reference fungicides. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.