International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS)

In the present study an intermolecular reductive Schiff base formation from nitro derivative and benzaldehydes is carried out in the presence of iron powder and dilute acid. Schiff base has been synthesized from vanilline and 2-nitro benzoic acid. Metal complexes of the Schiff base were also prepared from salts of Ni (II), Co (II), Mn (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) in an alcoholic medium. The chemical structures of the Schiff-base ligand and its metal complexes were confirmed by various spectroscopic studies. Molar conductivity measured revealed the non-electrolytic for Mn +2 , Co +2 , Ni +2 , Cu +2 , Zn +2 . On the basis of the studies, the coordination sites were proven to come through the nitrogen atom of azomethine and the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl group of 2 nitro benzoic acid. The free Schiff base and its complexes have been tested for their antibacterial as well as antifungal activity by using disc diffusion method and the results discussed. The experimental results suggest that Schiff base derivatives are more potent in antibacterial and antifungal activities.