# Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Antimicrobial Studies of Schiff Base Metal Complexes Derived from 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde

Authors: K. R. Joshi; A. J. Rojivadiya; J. H. Pandya
Journal: International Journal of Inorganic Chemistry
 (2014)

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## Abstract

Two new series of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with two new Schiff base ligands 2-((2,4-dimethylphenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol and 2-((3,4-difluorophenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol have been prepared. The Schiff base ligands were synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde with 2,4-dimethylaniline or 3,4-difluoroaniline. The ligands and their metal complexes have been characterized by IR,1H NMR, mass and electronic spectra and TG analysis. The Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungus Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus clavatus using Broth Dilution Method.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Vanillin and o-vanillin are such natural compounds which have both phenolic OH and aldehyde group. They are positional isomers, in which O-vanillin shows contradictory effects. There are several reports indicating that o-vanillin induces mutations and it has also been found to enhance chromosomal aberrations inin vitro systems [1–4]. Schiff bases derived from 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (o-vanillin) have not been investigated so thoroughly. The mono- and bis-Schiff bases ofo-vanillin and 2,3-diaminopyridine have been used as ionophores in a Cu(II) selective electrochemical sensor [5]. These compounds as well as their metal complexes have been found to possess biological activity [6]. Antibacterial activity has also been reported for the ruthenium(II) complex of the Schiff base ofo-vanillin and 2-aminopyridine [7]. Furthermore, the Schiff bases are very important tools for the inorganic chemists as they are widely used to design molecular ferromagnets as well as in biological modeling applications. They are also used as liquid crystals and heterogeneous catalysts [8–10]. Schiff base ligands containing various donor atoms (like N, O, S, etc.) show broad biological activity and are of special interest because of the variety of ways in which they are bonded to the transition metal ions [11, 12].


## 2. Materials and Methods

2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde was synthesized according to the method reported in the literature [13]. Copper(II) and nickel(II) were used as nitrate salts and were obtained from Rankem. All amines were used from Merck; organic solvents EtOH, MeOH, DMF, and DMSO were of reagent grade.


### 2.1. Physical Measurements

IR spectra (4000–400 cm−1) of the ligands and metal complexes were obtained using KBr discs, on 8400 FT-IR SHIMADZU spectrometer. Mass spectra were recorded on QP 2010 SHIMADZU GCMS spectrometer.1H NMR spectra of ligands were recorded on Bruker Avance-II 400 MHz FT-NMR spectrometer using TMS as an internal standard and CDCl3 as a solvent. ESI mass spectra of complexes were recorded by VG-70S Spectrometer. Electronic spectra of the metal complexes in DMF were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Lambda 19 spectrophotometer and molar conductance of the metal complexes was determined on Systronics direct reading conductivity meter type CM-82T. A simultaneous TG/DTA was recorded on Perkin Elmer Pyris-1 model. DSC was carried out on Perkin Elmer Pyris-7 instrument. Elemental analysis (C, H, and N) was carried out on elemental analyzer PERKIN ELMER 2400, while analysis of metal was also carried out by EDTA titration method, in which the metal complex first evaporates in conc. nitric acid and prepares a stock solution. This solution with ammonia then titrates against EDTA by using appropriate indicator. The M.P. of ligands was carried out by standard laboratory thermometer. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complexes were carried out by Gouy balance using Hg[Co(CN)4] as calibrant. IR and mass spectra and elemental analysis of compounds were done in Department of Chemistry, Saurashtra University, Rajkot. TG-DTA-DSC was carried out in Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot. 1H NMR and ESI mass spectra of compounds were carried out in SAIF, Chandigarh. Electronic spectra and conductance measurement of compounds were done in the Department of Chemistry, DKV College, Jamnagar.


### 2.2. Preparation of Schiff Base Ligands

#### 2.2.1. Synthesis of 2-((2,4-Dimethylphenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (MPM)

The Schiff base ligand MPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 2,4-dimethylaniline (3.0 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


#### 2.2.2. Synthesis of 2-((3,4-Difluorophenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (FPM)

The Schiff base ligand FPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 3,4-difluoroaniline (3.2 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


### 2.3. Preparation of Metal Complexes

All the metal complexes of Schiff base ligands were prepared by the following method. The metal salt was dissolved in water and the solution was added to a hot ethanolic solution of the corresponding Schiff bases. After the complete addition little amount of sodium acetate was added and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h. A crystalline solid was obtained, which was isolated by filtration, washed with hot water, and dried in air. The general structure of the metal complexes is given in Scheme1.Scheme 1
General structure of metal complex.


### 2.4. Antimicrobial Screening

All newly synthesized compounds were tested for their antibacterial activities against Gram positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureus andStreptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative bacteriaEscherichia coli andPseudomonas aeruginosaand antifungal activity againstCandida albicans, Aspergillus niger, andAspergillus clavatus. The method used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity was “Broth Dilution Method.” It is one of the nonautomatedin vitrosusceptibility tests. The MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of the control organism is read to check the accuracy of the drug concentrations. The lowest concentration inhibiting growth of the organism is recorded as the MIC. The MIC values of the newly synthesized compounds have been compared with the standard drugs ampicillin, chloramphenicol, nystatin, and griseofulvin [14].


## 2.1. Physical Measurements

IR spectra (4000–400 cm−1) of the ligands and metal complexes were obtained using KBr discs, on 8400 FT-IR SHIMADZU spectrometer. Mass spectra were recorded on QP 2010 SHIMADZU GCMS spectrometer.1H NMR spectra of ligands were recorded on Bruker Avance-II 400 MHz FT-NMR spectrometer using TMS as an internal standard and CDCl3 as a solvent. ESI mass spectra of complexes were recorded by VG-70S Spectrometer. Electronic spectra of the metal complexes in DMF were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Lambda 19 spectrophotometer and molar conductance of the metal complexes was determined on Systronics direct reading conductivity meter type CM-82T. A simultaneous TG/DTA was recorded on Perkin Elmer Pyris-1 model. DSC was carried out on Perkin Elmer Pyris-7 instrument. Elemental analysis (C, H, and N) was carried out on elemental analyzer PERKIN ELMER 2400, while analysis of metal was also carried out by EDTA titration method, in which the metal complex first evaporates in conc. nitric acid and prepares a stock solution. This solution with ammonia then titrates against EDTA by using appropriate indicator. The M.P. of ligands was carried out by standard laboratory thermometer. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complexes were carried out by Gouy balance using Hg[Co(CN)4] as calibrant. IR and mass spectra and elemental analysis of compounds were done in Department of Chemistry, Saurashtra University, Rajkot. TG-DTA-DSC was carried out in Department of Physics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot. 1H NMR and ESI mass spectra of compounds were carried out in SAIF, Chandigarh. Electronic spectra and conductance measurement of compounds were done in the Department of Chemistry, DKV College, Jamnagar.


## 2.2. Preparation of Schiff Base Ligands

### 2.2.1. Synthesis of 2-((2,4-Dimethylphenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (MPM)

The Schiff base ligand MPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 2,4-dimethylaniline (3.0 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


### 2.2.2. Synthesis of 2-((3,4-Difluorophenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (FPM)

The Schiff base ligand FPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 3,4-difluoroaniline (3.2 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


## 2.2.1. Synthesis of 2-((2,4-Dimethylphenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (MPM)

The Schiff base ligand MPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 2,4-dimethylaniline (3.0 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


## 2.2.2. Synthesis of 2-((3,4-Difluorophenylimino)methyl)-6-methoxy-4-nitrophenol (FPM)

The Schiff base ligand FPM was synthesized by adding 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde (4.9 g 25 mmol) dissolved in hot absolute EtOH (20 cm3) to 3,4-difluoroaniline (3.2 g, 25.0 mmol) in absolute EtOH (20 cm3). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 h. The products obtained were filtered off and washed several times with EtOH and then ether and air dried. The products were kept in desiccators until used. Recrystallization was carried out in EtOH. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC.


## 2.3. Preparation of Metal Complexes

All the metal complexes of Schiff base ligands were prepared by the following method. The metal salt was dissolved in water and the solution was added to a hot ethanolic solution of the corresponding Schiff bases. After the complete addition little amount of sodium acetate was added and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h. A crystalline solid was obtained, which was isolated by filtration, washed with hot water, and dried in air. The general structure of the metal complexes is given in Scheme1.Scheme 1
General structure of metal complex.


## 2.4. Antimicrobial Screening

All newly synthesized compounds were tested for their antibacterial activities against Gram positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureus andStreptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative bacteriaEscherichia coli andPseudomonas aeruginosaand antifungal activity againstCandida albicans, Aspergillus niger, andAspergillus clavatus. The method used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity was “Broth Dilution Method.” It is one of the nonautomatedin vitrosusceptibility tests. The MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of the control organism is read to check the accuracy of the drug concentrations. The lowest concentration inhibiting growth of the organism is recorded as the MIC. The MIC values of the newly synthesized compounds have been compared with the standard drugs ampicillin, chloramphenicol, nystatin, and griseofulvin [14].


## 3. Results and Discussion

The Schiff base ligands MPM and FPM were prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde with 2,4-dimethylaniline and 3,4-difluoroaniline in molar ratio 1 : 1. The formation of Schiff bases and their metal complexes were confirmed by various analytical techniques such as IR,1H NMR, mass, and electronic spectra, conductance, and TG-DT analysis. Table 1 lists the physical and analytical data of the Schiff bases and their metal complexes. The antimicrobial activities of Schiff base ligands and metal complexes are listed in Tables 2(a) and 2(b).Table 1
The physical and analytical data of Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes.
Ligand or complex
Formula
M.W.
Color
Yield (%)
M.P. (°C)
μ
eff found/(calcd.) BM
Elemental analysis, % found/(calcd.)
C
H
N
M
(1) MPM
C16H16N2O4
300
Yellow
87
210
—
64.04 (63.99)
5.32 (5.37)
9.40 (9.33)
—
(2) FPM
C14H10F2N2O4
308
Reddish yellow
91
188
—
54.61 (54.55)
3.25 (3.27)
9.04 (9.09)
—
(3) [Cu(MPM)2]
C32H30CuN4O8
662
Deep blue
88
>300
1.94 (1.73)
58.00 (58.04)
4.60 (4.57)
8.52 (8.46)
9.67 (9.60)
(4) [Ni(MPM)2]
C32H30N4NiO8
657
Reddish green
85
>300
2.80 (2.82)
58.45 (58.47)
4.56 (4.60)
8.57 (8.52)
9.00 (8.93)
(5) [Cu(FPM)2]
C28H18CuF4N4O8
676
Deep blue
90
>300
1.80 (1.73)
49.53 (49.60)
2.71 (2.68)
8.30 (8.26)
9.43 (9.37)
(6) [Ni(FPM)2]
C28H18F4N4NiO8
673
Reddish green
87
>300
2.90 (2.82)
49.90 (49.96)
2.68 (2.70)
8.39 (8.32)
8.80 (8.72)Table 2
(a) Antibacterial activity of Schiff bases and their metal complexes. (b) Antifungal activity of Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes.
(a)
Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) (g/mL)
Sr. number
Ligand/complex
E. coli
P. aeruginosa
S. aureus
S. pyogenes
MTCC-443
MTCC-441
MTCC-96
MTCC-442
1
MPM
250
250
250
250
2
FPM
250
100
250
250
3
[Cu(MPM)2]
50
100
150
100
4
[Ni(MPM)2]
500
500
100
250
5
[Cu(FPM)2]
125
250
250
100
6
[Ni(FPM)2]
250
100
50
125
Standard drugs
1
Ampicillin
100
100
250
100
2
Chloramphenicol
50
50
50
50
(b)
Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) (g/mL)
Sr. number
Ligand/complex
C. albicans
A. niger
A. clavatus
MTCC-227
MTCC-282
MTCC-1323
1
MPM
1000
100
500
2
FPM
250
250
250
3
[Cu(MPM)2]
500
100
500
4
[Ni(MPM)2]
100
100
250
5
[Cu(FPM)2]
250
250
100
6
[Ni(FPM)2]
100
100
250
Standard drugs
1
Nystatin
100
100
100
2
Griseofulvin
500
100
100


### 3.1. Characterization of the Ligands

The IR spectra of Schiff base ligands are depicted in Figures1(a) and 1(b). The IR spectra of the ligands show a broad band at 3420–3460 cm−1 due to the stretching vibrations of phenolic hydroxyl group. The broadness is due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the phenolic group and the azomethine group. The strong band observed at 1614 cm−1 is assigned to the stretching vibrations of the azomethine group. Two moderately intense bands observed at 3049–3060 and 2985–3005 cm−1 are due to aromatic and aliphatic υ
(
C–H
), respectively [15, 16].(a) The IR spectrum of Schiff base ligand MPM. (b) The IR spectrum of Schiff base ligand FPM.
(a)
(b)The1H NMR spectra of ligands were recorded in CDCl3. The proton NMR spectrum of one of the ligands is shown in Figure 2. The signal due to methyl protons (ligand MPM) appeared as singlet at δ 2.37 and 2.44 ppm, whereas signal due to methoxy protons appeared as singlet in the range δ 4.01–4.03 ppm. In the aromatic region, a few doublets and in few cases some overlapping doublets/multiplets are observed in the range δ 7.12–8.08 ppm. These signals are due to aryl protons of benzene rings. The signals due to azomethine proton (–CH=N–) appeared as singlet at δ 8.65 ppm. Another singlet corresponding to one proton is observed in the range δ 14.43–15.98 ppm, is due to phenolic –OH group, and may disappear during complexation [16, 17].Figure 2
1H NMR spectrum of Schiff base ligand MPM.The mass spectra of ligands MPM and FPM revealed the molecular ion peak at m/e 300 for the former ligand and m/e 308 for the latter ligand, which are coincident with the formula weights and support the identity of the structures [18] (Figure 3).Figure 3
Mass spectrum of Schiff base ligand FPM.


### 3.2. Characterization of the Metal Complexes

The IR spectra of metal complexes show sharp band in the range 1607–1603 cm−1, which is shifted to lower frequency as compared to ligand, suggesting coordination of the azomethine nitrogen to the metal ion. The disappearance of υ
(
O–H
) shows the deprotonation of the –OH group and its subsequent coordination to the central metal atom. Two new bands observed at 578–564 and 481–470 cm−1 are characteristic of M–O and M–N absorptions, respectively [19, 20].ESI mass spectra in the positive mode were measured after adding CsCl to the binuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) neutral complexes in solution (water : methanol = 1 : 1) [21, 22]. For the ESI-MS of the binuclear complexes the peaks of all complexes are consistent with the calculated isotopic distributions for all the binuclear complexes as in Figure 4.Figure 4
ESI mass spectrum of metal complex [Cu(FPM)2].The observed molar conductance values of the metal (II) complexes in 10−3 molar DMF solution are in the range 14–29 Ω
-
1 cm2 mol−1. The molar conductance values are consistent with the nonelectrolytic nature for all metal complexes [23].Electronic spectra of all the complexes (Figure5) were recorded in dimethylformamide (DMF). For square planer Cu(II), the expected transitions are B
1
g
2
→
A
1
g
2 and B
1
g
2
→
Eg
2 with respective absorptions at 505–520 and 665–650 nm. Due to Jahn-Teller (J-T) distortions, square planar Cu(II) complexes give a broad absorption between 600 and 700 nm and the peak at 505–520 nm merges with the broad band, and thus only one broad band is observed [24]. The Ni(II) complexes showed one strong band at 550 nm, which is assigned to the square planar A
1
g
1
→
A
2
g
1 transition. This value lies within the range 600–450 nm region which is responsible for the reddish color [25].Figure 5
Electronic spectra of metal complex.Thermal analyses of all the complexes were carried out by the TG, DTA, and DSC techniques. The experimental results revealed that the degradation occurred in multiple stages, following a complex mechanism (Figure6). For each stage the kinetic parameters and the thermogravimetric characteristics have been estimated. Thermal behavior of all complexes explains as follows. The TG curve follows the decrease in sample mass with increase in temperature. In the present investigation heating rates were suitably controlled at 5°C min−1 and mass loss followed up to 25–800°C. The complexes slowly started decomposition between 200 and 300°C. The first mass loss up to 300°C is attributed to the removal of two NO2 molecules. This process is accompanied by exothermic process at around 200–320°C in DTA curves of all complexes. The mass loss occurring at temperature of 330–500°C corresponds to the decomposition of the ligand molecules. The final product of the thermal decomposition at 500–800°C, metal oxide, was determined by elemental analysis [18, 26].Figure 6
TG-DT-DSC analysis of metal complex [Cu(FPM)2].


### 3.3. Antimicrobial Activities

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacteria and fungi of Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes was compared with the MIC values of standard drugs [14, 27, 28]. The results of the biological screening of the ligands and their metal complexes reveal that the antimicrobial activities of the chelated ligands are enhanced as compared to the free ligands (Tables 2(a) and 2(b)).


## 3.1. Characterization of the Ligands

The IR spectra of Schiff base ligands are depicted in Figures1(a) and 1(b). The IR spectra of the ligands show a broad band at 3420–3460 cm−1 due to the stretching vibrations of phenolic hydroxyl group. The broadness is due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the phenolic group and the azomethine group. The strong band observed at 1614 cm−1 is assigned to the stretching vibrations of the azomethine group. Two moderately intense bands observed at 3049–3060 and 2985–3005 cm−1 are due to aromatic and aliphatic υ
(
C–H
), respectively [15, 16].(a) The IR spectrum of Schiff base ligand MPM. (b) The IR spectrum of Schiff base ligand FPM.
(a)
(b)The1H NMR spectra of ligands were recorded in CDCl3. The proton NMR spectrum of one of the ligands is shown in Figure 2. The signal due to methyl protons (ligand MPM) appeared as singlet at δ 2.37 and 2.44 ppm, whereas signal due to methoxy protons appeared as singlet in the range δ 4.01–4.03 ppm. In the aromatic region, a few doublets and in few cases some overlapping doublets/multiplets are observed in the range δ 7.12–8.08 ppm. These signals are due to aryl protons of benzene rings. The signals due to azomethine proton (–CH=N–) appeared as singlet at δ 8.65 ppm. Another singlet corresponding to one proton is observed in the range δ 14.43–15.98 ppm, is due to phenolic –OH group, and may disappear during complexation [16, 17].Figure 2
1H NMR spectrum of Schiff base ligand MPM.The mass spectra of ligands MPM and FPM revealed the molecular ion peak at m/e 300 for the former ligand and m/e 308 for the latter ligand, which are coincident with the formula weights and support the identity of the structures [18] (Figure 3).Figure 3
Mass spectrum of Schiff base ligand FPM.


## 3.2. Characterization of the Metal Complexes

The IR spectra of metal complexes show sharp band in the range 1607–1603 cm−1, which is shifted to lower frequency as compared to ligand, suggesting coordination of the azomethine nitrogen to the metal ion. The disappearance of υ
(
O–H
) shows the deprotonation of the –OH group and its subsequent coordination to the central metal atom. Two new bands observed at 578–564 and 481–470 cm−1 are characteristic of M–O and M–N absorptions, respectively [19, 20].ESI mass spectra in the positive mode were measured after adding CsCl to the binuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) neutral complexes in solution (water : methanol = 1 : 1) [21, 22]. For the ESI-MS of the binuclear complexes the peaks of all complexes are consistent with the calculated isotopic distributions for all the binuclear complexes as in Figure 4.Figure 4
ESI mass spectrum of metal complex [Cu(FPM)2].The observed molar conductance values of the metal (II) complexes in 10−3 molar DMF solution are in the range 14–29 Ω
-
1 cm2 mol−1. The molar conductance values are consistent with the nonelectrolytic nature for all metal complexes [23].Electronic spectra of all the complexes (Figure5) were recorded in dimethylformamide (DMF). For square planer Cu(II), the expected transitions are B
1
g
2
→
A
1
g
2 and B
1
g
2
→
Eg
2 with respective absorptions at 505–520 and 665–650 nm. Due to Jahn-Teller (J-T) distortions, square planar Cu(II) complexes give a broad absorption between 600 and 700 nm and the peak at 505–520 nm merges with the broad band, and thus only one broad band is observed [24]. The Ni(II) complexes showed one strong band at 550 nm, which is assigned to the square planar A
1
g
1
→
A
2
g
1 transition. This value lies within the range 600–450 nm region which is responsible for the reddish color [25].Figure 5
Electronic spectra of metal complex.Thermal analyses of all the complexes were carried out by the TG, DTA, and DSC techniques. The experimental results revealed that the degradation occurred in multiple stages, following a complex mechanism (Figure6). For each stage the kinetic parameters and the thermogravimetric characteristics have been estimated. Thermal behavior of all complexes explains as follows. The TG curve follows the decrease in sample mass with increase in temperature. In the present investigation heating rates were suitably controlled at 5°C min−1 and mass loss followed up to 25–800°C. The complexes slowly started decomposition between 200 and 300°C. The first mass loss up to 300°C is attributed to the removal of two NO2 molecules. This process is accompanied by exothermic process at around 200–320°C in DTA curves of all complexes. The mass loss occurring at temperature of 330–500°C corresponds to the decomposition of the ligand molecules. The final product of the thermal decomposition at 500–800°C, metal oxide, was determined by elemental analysis [18, 26].Figure 6
TG-DT-DSC analysis of metal complex [Cu(FPM)2].


## 3.3. Antimicrobial Activities

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacteria and fungi of Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes was compared with the MIC values of standard drugs [14, 27, 28]. The results of the biological screening of the ligands and their metal complexes reveal that the antimicrobial activities of the chelated ligands are enhanced as compared to the free ligands (Tables 2(a) and 2(b)).


## 4. Conclusion

On the basis of the above studies, the general structure of the metal complexes is proposed as shown in Scheme1. The Schiff base ligands are behaving as O, N donor bidentate for Cu(II) and Ni(II) metal ions. The antimicrobial activity of ligands and metal complexes show good results as compared to standard drugs.



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