Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with the Schiff base N-salicylidene-4-chloroaniline

Transition Metal Complexes of Cu(II) and Zn(II) with Schiff base N-salicylidene-4-chloroaniline were synthesized and characterized by solubility test, infrared spectra, conductivity measurement, magnetic susceptibility, metal-ligand ratio determination, and antimicrobial activity. The low molar conductance values range (16.-27Ohm -1 cm 2 mol -1 ) indicated that all the complexes are non-electrolytes. The magnetic susceptibility revealed that the Cu(II) complex is paramagnetic while Zn(II) complex is diamagnetic. The metal-ligand ratio was found to be 1:2 in all the complexes. The infrared spectra suggested that the Schiff base behaves as a bidentate ligand. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were tested for antibacterial activity using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungal activity using Aspergillus flavus and Mucor species . The results of the tests indicated moderate antimicrobial activity against the tested organism when compared with the standards (Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole), and this activity increases by increasing concentration. The Metal Complexes showed higher activity than free Ligand due to chelation. Keywords: Salicylaldehyde, 4-chloroaniline, Schiff base, Complexes, antimicrobial activity