Synthesis, crystal structures, and biological properties of a new naphthalimide Schiff base and its copper(II) complex

Abstract

A new naphthalimide Schiff base N-allylamine-4-(ethylenediamine-3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide (HL) and its copper(II) complex {N-allylamine-4-(ethylenediamine-3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide copper(II)} (CuL₂) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of CuL₂ has been determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The central Cu(II) ion is four-coordinate with an N₂O₂ donor set which is afforded by two L ligands, forming a slightly distorted square planar geometry. The interactions of HL and CuL₂ with calf thymus DNA were investigated using electronic absorption titration, fluorescence titration, and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that free HL and CuL₂ bind to DNA in an intercalation mode, and their binding affinity for DNA takes the order CuL₂ > HL. Moreover, the antioxidant assay in vitro also shows that HL and CuL₂ possess significant antioxidant activities and CuL₂ is more effective than free HL.

Keywords:

• Naphthalimide Schiff base
• copper(II) complex
• crystal structure
• DNA-binding property
• antioxidant activity