Abstract

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SCHIFF BASE, N, N1- BIS(4-NITROBENZYLIDENE) ETHYLENEDIAMINE, METAL(II) COMPLEXES

K. E. Ajibulu*, A. E. Okoronkwo, J. B. Owolabi and V. O. Oyetayo

ABSTRACT

The Schiff base ligand, N,N1-bis(4-nitrobenzylidene) ethylenediamine, has been synthesized by stirring ethylenediamine and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde in ratio 1:2 at room temperature. The ligand was characterized using (FT-IR, UV-vis) spectroscopies, (1H, 13C) NMR spectrum, Mass Spectrum, TGA/DTA and magnetic moments. Matal(II) complexes of the ligand were synthesized in a ratio of 1:2, M:L, and characterized. From elemental analysis data, the metal complexes formed had the general formulae [M(L)2], where L = Schiff base ligand (C16H14N4O4) and M = Mn, Ni and Co. On the basis of FT-IR, and NMR data “N” donor atoms of the Schiff base ligand participated in coordination with metal (II) ions, and thus, a four
coordinated tetrahedral geometry for the complexes of Mn and Ni while six coordinated octahedral geometry proposed for Co respectively. The free ligand and its metal complexes have been screened for biological activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Keywords: Schiff base, ethylenediamine, antibacterial, metal(II) complex.