Synthesis and characterization of tetradentate bis-Schiff base complexes of di- and tri-valent transition metals

Abstract

The bis-Schiff bases of N₂O₂ dibasic ligands, H₂La and H₂Lb are synthesized by the condensation of ethylenediamine (a) and trimethylenediamine (b) with 6-formyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-methylbenzo-pyran-4-one. The ligands are characterized using elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The ionization constant pKa values are determined spectrophotometrically. The ¹H-NMR spectra of the ligands show the presence of phenolic coordinating groups. New complexes of H₂La and H₂Lb with metal ions Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) are synthesized. Elemental analyses, infrared, ultraviolet-visible, electron spin resonance and thermal analysis, as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements, are used to elucidate the structures of the newly prepared metal complexes. Thermal degradation studies for some complexes show that the final product is the metal oxide. A square planar geometry is suggested for the Cu(II), Zn(II) (for H₂La and H₂Lb) and Ni(II) (for H₂La) complexes; an octahedral geometry for the Co(II), Cr(III), Fe(III) (for H₂La and H₂Lb), and Ni(II) (for H₂Lb) complexes. The coordination sites are two azomethine nitrogens and two phenolic oxygens in the tetradentate Schiff bases.

Keywords:

• bis-Schiff bases
• Benzopyran-4-one
• Di and trivalent transition metals
• Complexes
• Spectroscopy
• Thermal analysis