Abstract
A series of Zn(II) complexes (1-4) supported by thiophenyl- and furyl-derived N,N-diamines ligands, L1-L4, where L1 = 2,2-dimethyl-N1,N3-bis(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine, L2 = N1,N3-bis(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine, L3 = N1,N3-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, and L4 = N1,N3-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine, were synthesized and characterized. Structural studies of 2 and 4 revealed a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the Zn(II) center. The synthesized ligands and their corresponding Zn(II) complexes were tested in vitro for urease inhibitory potential against Jack bean urease (JB urease) and Bacillus pasteurii urease (BP urease). Complex 2, possessing a thiophenyl pendant moiety, exhibited considerable inhibitory potential against JB urease (IC50 = 5.5 ± 0.15 μM) and BP urease (IC50 = 6.0 ± 0.12 μM) relative to the standard thiourea (IC50 = 10 ± 0.52 and 8.20 ± 0.90 μM, respectively). Additionally, molecular docking confirmed the probable binding modes of the active complexes in the crystal structure of the JB urease. The synthesized ligands and complexes were also screened for anti-leishmanial activity and were proven to be effective against the Leishmania parasite.
Graphical Abstract
Authors’ contributions
Saira Nayab contributed to conceptualization; supervision-lead; writing an original draft, formal analysis; Momin Khan contributed to biological studies; Yerim Cho contributed to supporting; Hyosun Lee contributed to review-editing, validation-supporting.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.