Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and structural studies of new Schiff base ligand and its metal (II) complexes: In silico molecular docking analysis, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity

• Published in: Applied organometallic chemistry Vol. 32; no. 12
• Main Authors: Vidya Rani, Chandrasekhar, Kesavan, Mookkandi Palsamy, Vinoth Kumar, Gujuluva Gangatharan, Jeyaraj, Moses Joshua Daniel, Rajesh, Jegathalaprathaban, Rajagopal, Gurusamy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Antiinfectives and antibacterials; antimicrobial activity; Antimicrobial agents; Binding energy; Chemistry; Coordination compounds; Copper; Crystal structure; Cytotoxicity; Density functional theory; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; Imines; in silico docking analysis; Ligands; metal (II) complexes; Metals; Molecular docking; Schiff base ligand; Serum albumin; Structural analysis; Synthesis; Toxicity; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0268-2605; 1099-0739
• DOI: 10.1002/aoc.4538

A new Schiff base ligand, namely 2‐((4‐(diethylamino)phenylimino)methyl)‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (HL), and its derived metal (II) complexes [Cu (L)2] (1), [Co (L)2] (2) and [Zn (L)2] (3) have been synthesized and characterized using various physicochemical techniques. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies confirm the structure of newly synthesized HL and complex 2. Density functional theory analysis was used to investigate their electronic structures and properties. In silico docking analysis revealed that complex 1 has significant DNA binding ability (atomic contact energy of −1008.26 kcal mol−1) and complex 2 has a greater affinity with human serum albumin (binding energy of −901.61 kcal mol−1). Complex 2 reveals the highest antimicrobial activity against both fungi and bacteria, whereas complex 1 shows greater cytotoxicity (IC50 = 14.3 ±0.9 μg ml−1) to MCF‐7 cancer cells. The synthesis and structural characterizations of new Schiff base ligand HL and its metal (II) complexes 1–3 are reported. Complex 1 showed significant binding ability with DNA and complex 2 exhibited greater affinity with HSA. Consequently, complex 2 revealed the highest antimicrobial activity and complex 1 promising cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cancer cells.