Synthesis, crystal structure, and antimicrobial activity of a series of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

Abstract

A series of six new mononuclear Schiff base complexes, 1–6 of cobalt(III) of the general formula, [CoLX] or its adduct with methanol, is reported. The pentadentate Schiff base ligand (H₂L) was obtained by the condensation of N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-methylpropane-1,3-diamine with 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone (H₂L¹) or 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one (H₂L²). X stands for the pseudohalides, N₃^–, N(CN)₂⁻ , and NCS^–. The complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of equimolar amounts of cobalt(II) nitrate with H₂L¹ or H₂L² in the presence of the respective pseudohalide in methanol medium. All the complexes have been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic, single crystal XRD (except 3), and other physicochemical studies. Structural studies reveal that the central Co(III) ion in 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 adopts a distorted octahedral geometry with a CoN₄O₂ chromophore. Weak intermolecular H-bonding and/or π-interactions are operative in these complexes to bind the molecular units. The antimicrobial activity of all the complexes and their constituent Schiff bases has been tested against some common bacteria and fungi.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Cobalt(III)
• pentadentate Schiff base
• crystal structure
• antimicrobial activity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.