# SN-Donor Methylthioanilines and Copper(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Spectral Properties, andIn Vitro Antimicrobial Activity

Authors: Temitope E. Olalekan; Adeniyi S. Ogunlaja; Gareth M. Watkins
Journal: Heteroatom Chemistry
 (2019)

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## Abstract

Methylthioanilines, a series of sulfur-nitrogen donor ligands substituted with OCH3, CH3, Cl, and Br, and their copper(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-Vis and EPR spectra, molar conductance, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The NMR spectra of the ligands revealed that thepara/ortho protons andpara carbon were sensitive to the electronic effect of substituents. The CHNS analysis presented CuLCl2 (L = OCH3, CH3, Cl) and CuL2Cl2 (L = Br) stoichiometries for the copper complexes. FTIR spectra showed that the bidentate ligands were coordinated to the copper ion through their nitrogen and sulfur atoms. The electronic spectra have suggested square planar and octahedral geometries for these complexes. The EPR spectra demonstrated that the solid state copper(II) complexes possess dx2–y2 orbital ground state andg∥ >g⊥ > 2.0023 in a tetragonal environment. The compounds were evaluated forin vitro antimicrobial activity againstS. aureus,B. subtilis,E. coli, andC. albicans. The copper complexes showed higher activity than the parent ligands againstS. aureus andB. subtilis; the electron-donating OCH3 and CH3 derivatives were more active than the withdrawing Br- and Cl-substituted compounds.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Thiomethylated anilines belong to a class of nitrogen-sulfur (SN) donor groups. They find application in preparation of sulfoxides [1] which are desulfurized to generate methylated anilines [2] and as starting materials [3] for deriving aminobenzaldehydes which are also useful precursors to many important heterocyclics. By coupling 2-(methylthioaniline) with another suitable aromatic polymer, a suitable chelating resin [4] has been derived for use in preconcentration of metal ions such as Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Cu, and Zn for analytical purposes. Substituted 2-(methylthio)anilines were synthesized from the reaction of corresponding anilines with aliphatic disulfides in the presence of Lewis acid catalysts, particularly aluminum chloride and copper iodide at high temperatures of >100°C; mixtures ofortho- andpara- substituted methylthiolated products resulted [5]. A two-pot synthetic route can also be used to generate substituted 2-(methylthio)anilines. By alkaline hydrolysis of the appropriate 2-aminobenzothiazoles at a high temperature and subsequent methylation with methyl iodide, the crude substituted 2-(methylthio)anilines were derived [6]. The biological relevance of Cu(I)/Cu(II) in living systems includes their presence as cuproproteins to transport molecular oxygen and acts as good catalysts in related oxidation-reduction processes. Substituted 6-(methylthio)aniline ligands are potentialSN bidentate ligands of which bioactivity has not been investigated. The synthesis, NMR, FTIR, UV/Vis, EPR, molar conductance, magnetic measurements, andin vitro antimicrobial studies ofortho-substituted-6-(methylthio)anilines and their copper(II) complexes are reported in this study.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials and Physical Measurements

All the reagents and solvents were of analytical grade and used as obtained from commercial suppliers (Sigma Aldrich and Merck). CHNS analyses were determined on Elementar Analysensysteme varioMICRO V1.6.2. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectra (1H, 13C, DEPT135, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC) were obtained in CDCl3 on a Bruker Avance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Chemical shifts were recorded in ppm with reference to the residual solvent proton relative to tetramethylsilane. Infrared spectra of the compounds were determined in the region 4000–400 cm–1 on PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 ATR-FTIR spectrometer. Far-infrared spectra for the complexes in the region 700–30 cm–1 were obtained as mulls held between polyethylene discs and recorded on Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 FTIR/FIR spectrometer. The UV/Vis electronic spectra (250–1100 nm) were determined in DMF on a PerkinElmer Lambda 25 UV/VIS Spectrometer. The molar conductance was measured in DMF at room temperature on AZ® 86555 pH/mV/Cond./TDS/Temp at 10–3 M. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken on a Sherwood magnetic susceptibility balance Mark 1. A Galenkemp melting point apparatus was used to determine the melting points (uncorrected). The powder electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded on a Bruker ESP 300E X-band EPR spectrometer with 100 kHz field modulation. Other experimental parameters: 9.762 GHz, 16.05 G modulation amplitude, 20 mW power, 1.25 ms time constant, and 100 s sweep time.


### 2.2. Synthesis of Substituted 2-(Methylthio)anilines

Ortho-substituted-2-(methylthio)anilines were prepared in a two-pot reaction involving the conversion ofo-anisidine,o-toluidine,o-chloroaniline, ando-bromoaniline to the corresponding aminobenzothiazoles [7, 8] which were hydrolyzed and methylated to yield the crude products (Scheme 1) [6].Scheme 1
Synthesis scheme for substituted 6-(methylthio)anilines.


#### 2.2.1. 2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline (L1)

o-Anisidine (1.00 g, 8.11 mmol) and potassium thiocyanate (3.16 g, 32.50 mmol) were rapidly stirred in glacial acetic acid (16 mL) and bromine liquid (1.30 g, 8.11 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 10 h keeping the temperature below 35°C, during which a precipitate was formed. This mixture was filtered and the precipitate washed with water. The combined filtrate was neutralized to pH 7 with aqueous ammonia solution during which a shiny brown precipitate formed and the mixture was filtered and dried (2.00 g). The crude 6-methoxy-2-aminobenzothiazole (0.54 g, 3.00 mmol) was slowly added to potassium hydroxide (1.54 g, 27.40 mmol) in 2 mL water. The mixture was slowly heated to 135°C allowing the water to evaporate. The temperature was then increased to 165°C and held there for 2 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and quenched with 2 mL of water. The mixture was filtered to remove the unreacted 2-aminobenzothiazole. The filtrate was collected and the water removed under vacuum. Iodomethane (0.19 mL, 3.00 mmol) and 4 mL ethanol were each added to the residue and the slurry was stirred for 16 h after which ethanol was removedin vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water, neutralized to pH 7 with concentrated HCl and the product extracted with dichloromethane. Removal of the solvent under pressure yielded crude 2-methoxy-2-(methylthio)aniline. This was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using hexane/ether (6:1 vol/vol) as eluent to afford the pure oil. Yield: 55%, mp 68-70°C. Colour: Brown. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 169.2): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 61.97; H, 7.44; N, 9.02; S, 20.64%. FTIR (cm−1): 3383, 3293 vasy/sym(NH2), 1620δ(NH2), 1269v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 284sh, 308 (12240).Other 2-(methylthio)anilines were similarly prepared from their startingortho-substituted anilines.


#### 2.2.2. 2-Methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline (L2)

Yield 24%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 153.3): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 62.03; H, 7.99; N, 9.01; S, 20.91%. FTIR (cm–1): 3452, 3355 vasy/sym(NH2), 1619δ(NH2), 1279v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 286sh, 309 (11960).


#### 2.2.3. 2-Chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline (L3)

Yield 29%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C7H8ClNS (Mr 173.7): C, 48.41; H, 4.64; N, 8.07; S, 18.46. Found: C, 48.80; H, 4.81; N, 8.02; S, 18.39%. FTIR (cm–1): 3459, 3358 vasy/sym(NH2), 1615δ(NH2), 1292v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


#### 2.2.4. 2-Bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline (L4)

Yield 22%, light yellow oil. Anal. Cald. for C7H8BrNS (Mr 218.1): C, 38.55; H, 3.70; N, 6.42; S, 14.70. Found: C, 39.54; H, 3.71; N, 6.36; S, 14.76%. FTIR (cm–1): 3455, 3354 vasy/sym(NH2), 1611δ(NH2), 1290v(C–N). λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


#### 2.2.5. Synthesis of [Cu(L1)Cl2]

2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline, L1 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) in 3 mL ethanol was stirred at room temperature and ethanol solution of CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 3 h. The deep brown precipitate was obtained by filtration, washed with ethanol, and dried (0.08 g, 32%), mp >200°C. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 303.7): C, 31.64; H, 3.65; N, 4.61; S, 10.56. Found: C, 31.72; H, 4.15; N, 4.50; S, 10.33%. FTIR-ATR (cm−1): 3251, 3171 vasy/sym(NH2), 1585δ(NH2), 1245v(C–N), 414v(Cu–N), 314v(Cu–Cl), 280v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 315 (5805), 335 (3664), 454 (3400). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 33.4.[Cu(L2)Cl2], [Cu(L3)Cl2] and [Cu(L4)Cl2] were similarly prepared.


#### 2.2.6. Synthesis of [Cu(L2)Cl2]

[Cu(L2)Cl2] was obtained from 2-methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline, L2 (0.24 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.05 g (20%), mp 140-141°C. Colour: Black. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 287.7): C, 35.40; H, 3.85; N, 4.87; S, 11.15. Found: C, 36.24; H, 3.76; N, 4.89; S, 10.24%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3313, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1250v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 290v(Cu–Cl), 279v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 273sh, 300 (5080), 336 (3360), 428 (2070). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 32.4.


#### 2.2.7. Synthesis of [Cu(L3)Cl2]

[Cu(L3)Cl2] was obtained from 2-chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline, L3 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.06 g (24%), mp 150-152°C. Colour: Deep brown. Anal. Calc. for C7H8Cl3CuNS (Mr 308.1): C, 29.83; H, 3.13; N, 4.35; S, 9.95. Found: C, 29.54; H, 2.87; N, 4.32; S, 9.73%. FTIR-ATR 3340, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1271v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 301v(Cu–Cl), 278v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 304 (5690), 333 (3280), 364 (5424), 413 (3335). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 29.2.


#### 2.2.8. Synthesis of [Cu(L4)2Cl2]

[Cu(L4)2Cl2] was obtained from 2-bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline, L4 (0.18 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.11 g (22%), mp 110-111°C. Colour: Black Anal. Cald. for C14H18Br2Cl2CuN2OS2 (Mr 588.7): C, 28.56; H, 3.08; N, 4.76; S, 10.89. Found: C, 28.95; H, 2.90; N, 4.78; S, 10.61%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3276, 3183 vasy/sym(NH2), 1583δ(NH2), 1273v(C–N), 409v(Cu–N), 303v(Cu–Cl), 275v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 281 (3210), 314 (3622), 332 (2430), 436 (370). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 28.3.


### 2.3. Antimicrobial Studies

The microorganism strains, growth media, and sterile assay disks (diameter 6 mm) were purchased from Microbiologics, Merck, Becton Dickinson and Company in South Africa. Ampicillin powder was obtained from Roche Diagnostics, Germany. Double-distilled water was collected from the Pharmaceutics Unit of Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University. Sterile saline was prepared by dissolving 0.85 g saline in double-distilled water and making up to 100 mL. McFarland (0.5) solution was prepared by adding 0.5 mL of 1.175 % BaCl2.2H2O to 99.5 mL of 1 % H2SO4 [9]. Agar disc diffusion method [10, 11] was employed to determine the susceptibility ofStaphylococcus aureusATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis (subsp. spizizenii)ATCC 6633, Escherichia coliATCC 8739, and for antifungal activity againstCandida albicansATCC 2091 to the synthesized compounds. Ampicillin (AMP) and ketoconazole (KTZ) were used as positive controls for the antibacterial and antifungal tests, respectively. The preparation of the growth media, reference drugs, agar plates, the culture of microbial strains, and inoculation of agar plates followed standard procedures [12, 13]. Each microbial inoculum was standardized with reference to 0.5 McFarland solution [14]. 250 μg of each test compounds dissolved in DMF was delivered on to sterile assay discs. Ampicillin and ketoconazole (125 μg) were measured onto separate discs and allowed to dry under the laminar flow. Six discs were placed on each inoculated agar plate containing the appropriate growth medium and incubated for 24 h (bacteria) and 60 h (fungus) at 35°C. The diameter of zone of inhibition of the microbial growth by each compound was measured. The tests were carried out in triplicate and the mean values were recorded in Table 3.


## 2.1. Materials and Physical Measurements

All the reagents and solvents were of analytical grade and used as obtained from commercial suppliers (Sigma Aldrich and Merck). CHNS analyses were determined on Elementar Analysensysteme varioMICRO V1.6.2. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectra (1H, 13C, DEPT135, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC) were obtained in CDCl3 on a Bruker Avance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Chemical shifts were recorded in ppm with reference to the residual solvent proton relative to tetramethylsilane. Infrared spectra of the compounds were determined in the region 4000–400 cm–1 on PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 ATR-FTIR spectrometer. Far-infrared spectra for the complexes in the region 700–30 cm–1 were obtained as mulls held between polyethylene discs and recorded on Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 FTIR/FIR spectrometer. The UV/Vis electronic spectra (250–1100 nm) were determined in DMF on a PerkinElmer Lambda 25 UV/VIS Spectrometer. The molar conductance was measured in DMF at room temperature on AZ® 86555 pH/mV/Cond./TDS/Temp at 10–3 M. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken on a Sherwood magnetic susceptibility balance Mark 1. A Galenkemp melting point apparatus was used to determine the melting points (uncorrected). The powder electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded on a Bruker ESP 300E X-band EPR spectrometer with 100 kHz field modulation. Other experimental parameters: 9.762 GHz, 16.05 G modulation amplitude, 20 mW power, 1.25 ms time constant, and 100 s sweep time.


## 2.2. Synthesis of Substituted 2-(Methylthio)anilines

Ortho-substituted-2-(methylthio)anilines were prepared in a two-pot reaction involving the conversion ofo-anisidine,o-toluidine,o-chloroaniline, ando-bromoaniline to the corresponding aminobenzothiazoles [7, 8] which were hydrolyzed and methylated to yield the crude products (Scheme 1) [6].Scheme 1
Synthesis scheme for substituted 6-(methylthio)anilines.


### 2.2.1. 2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline (L1)

o-Anisidine (1.00 g, 8.11 mmol) and potassium thiocyanate (3.16 g, 32.50 mmol) were rapidly stirred in glacial acetic acid (16 mL) and bromine liquid (1.30 g, 8.11 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 10 h keeping the temperature below 35°C, during which a precipitate was formed. This mixture was filtered and the precipitate washed with water. The combined filtrate was neutralized to pH 7 with aqueous ammonia solution during which a shiny brown precipitate formed and the mixture was filtered and dried (2.00 g). The crude 6-methoxy-2-aminobenzothiazole (0.54 g, 3.00 mmol) was slowly added to potassium hydroxide (1.54 g, 27.40 mmol) in 2 mL water. The mixture was slowly heated to 135°C allowing the water to evaporate. The temperature was then increased to 165°C and held there for 2 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and quenched with 2 mL of water. The mixture was filtered to remove the unreacted 2-aminobenzothiazole. The filtrate was collected and the water removed under vacuum. Iodomethane (0.19 mL, 3.00 mmol) and 4 mL ethanol were each added to the residue and the slurry was stirred for 16 h after which ethanol was removedin vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water, neutralized to pH 7 with concentrated HCl and the product extracted with dichloromethane. Removal of the solvent under pressure yielded crude 2-methoxy-2-(methylthio)aniline. This was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using hexane/ether (6:1 vol/vol) as eluent to afford the pure oil. Yield: 55%, mp 68-70°C. Colour: Brown. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 169.2): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 61.97; H, 7.44; N, 9.02; S, 20.64%. FTIR (cm−1): 3383, 3293 vasy/sym(NH2), 1620δ(NH2), 1269v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 284sh, 308 (12240).Other 2-(methylthio)anilines were similarly prepared from their startingortho-substituted anilines.


### 2.2.2. 2-Methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline (L2)

Yield 24%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 153.3): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 62.03; H, 7.99; N, 9.01; S, 20.91%. FTIR (cm–1): 3452, 3355 vasy/sym(NH2), 1619δ(NH2), 1279v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 286sh, 309 (11960).


### 2.2.3. 2-Chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline (L3)

Yield 29%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C7H8ClNS (Mr 173.7): C, 48.41; H, 4.64; N, 8.07; S, 18.46. Found: C, 48.80; H, 4.81; N, 8.02; S, 18.39%. FTIR (cm–1): 3459, 3358 vasy/sym(NH2), 1615δ(NH2), 1292v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


### 2.2.4. 2-Bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline (L4)

Yield 22%, light yellow oil. Anal. Cald. for C7H8BrNS (Mr 218.1): C, 38.55; H, 3.70; N, 6.42; S, 14.70. Found: C, 39.54; H, 3.71; N, 6.36; S, 14.76%. FTIR (cm–1): 3455, 3354 vasy/sym(NH2), 1611δ(NH2), 1290v(C–N). λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


### 2.2.5. Synthesis of [Cu(L1)Cl2]

2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline, L1 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) in 3 mL ethanol was stirred at room temperature and ethanol solution of CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 3 h. The deep brown precipitate was obtained by filtration, washed with ethanol, and dried (0.08 g, 32%), mp >200°C. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 303.7): C, 31.64; H, 3.65; N, 4.61; S, 10.56. Found: C, 31.72; H, 4.15; N, 4.50; S, 10.33%. FTIR-ATR (cm−1): 3251, 3171 vasy/sym(NH2), 1585δ(NH2), 1245v(C–N), 414v(Cu–N), 314v(Cu–Cl), 280v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 315 (5805), 335 (3664), 454 (3400). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 33.4.[Cu(L2)Cl2], [Cu(L3)Cl2] and [Cu(L4)Cl2] were similarly prepared.


### 2.2.6. Synthesis of [Cu(L2)Cl2]

[Cu(L2)Cl2] was obtained from 2-methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline, L2 (0.24 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.05 g (20%), mp 140-141°C. Colour: Black. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 287.7): C, 35.40; H, 3.85; N, 4.87; S, 11.15. Found: C, 36.24; H, 3.76; N, 4.89; S, 10.24%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3313, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1250v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 290v(Cu–Cl), 279v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 273sh, 300 (5080), 336 (3360), 428 (2070). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 32.4.


### 2.2.7. Synthesis of [Cu(L3)Cl2]

[Cu(L3)Cl2] was obtained from 2-chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline, L3 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.06 g (24%), mp 150-152°C. Colour: Deep brown. Anal. Calc. for C7H8Cl3CuNS (Mr 308.1): C, 29.83; H, 3.13; N, 4.35; S, 9.95. Found: C, 29.54; H, 2.87; N, 4.32; S, 9.73%. FTIR-ATR 3340, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1271v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 301v(Cu–Cl), 278v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 304 (5690), 333 (3280), 364 (5424), 413 (3335). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 29.2.


### 2.2.8. Synthesis of [Cu(L4)2Cl2]

[Cu(L4)2Cl2] was obtained from 2-bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline, L4 (0.18 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.11 g (22%), mp 110-111°C. Colour: Black Anal. Cald. for C14H18Br2Cl2CuN2OS2 (Mr 588.7): C, 28.56; H, 3.08; N, 4.76; S, 10.89. Found: C, 28.95; H, 2.90; N, 4.78; S, 10.61%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3276, 3183 vasy/sym(NH2), 1583δ(NH2), 1273v(C–N), 409v(Cu–N), 303v(Cu–Cl), 275v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 281 (3210), 314 (3622), 332 (2430), 436 (370). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 28.3.


## 2.2.1. 2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline (L1)

o-Anisidine (1.00 g, 8.11 mmol) and potassium thiocyanate (3.16 g, 32.50 mmol) were rapidly stirred in glacial acetic acid (16 mL) and bromine liquid (1.30 g, 8.11 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 10 h keeping the temperature below 35°C, during which a precipitate was formed. This mixture was filtered and the precipitate washed with water. The combined filtrate was neutralized to pH 7 with aqueous ammonia solution during which a shiny brown precipitate formed and the mixture was filtered and dried (2.00 g). The crude 6-methoxy-2-aminobenzothiazole (0.54 g, 3.00 mmol) was slowly added to potassium hydroxide (1.54 g, 27.40 mmol) in 2 mL water. The mixture was slowly heated to 135°C allowing the water to evaporate. The temperature was then increased to 165°C and held there for 2 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and quenched with 2 mL of water. The mixture was filtered to remove the unreacted 2-aminobenzothiazole. The filtrate was collected and the water removed under vacuum. Iodomethane (0.19 mL, 3.00 mmol) and 4 mL ethanol were each added to the residue and the slurry was stirred for 16 h after which ethanol was removedin vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water, neutralized to pH 7 with concentrated HCl and the product extracted with dichloromethane. Removal of the solvent under pressure yielded crude 2-methoxy-2-(methylthio)aniline. This was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using hexane/ether (6:1 vol/vol) as eluent to afford the pure oil. Yield: 55%, mp 68-70°C. Colour: Brown. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 169.2): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 61.97; H, 7.44; N, 9.02; S, 20.64%. FTIR (cm−1): 3383, 3293 vasy/sym(NH2), 1620δ(NH2), 1269v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 284sh, 308 (12240).Other 2-(methylthio)anilines were similarly prepared from their startingortho-substituted anilines.


## 2.2.2. 2-Methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline (L2)

Yield 24%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C8H11NS (Mr 153.3): C, 62.70; H, 7.24; N, 9.14; S, 20.92. Found: C, 62.03; H, 7.99; N, 9.01; S, 20.91%. FTIR (cm–1): 3452, 3355 vasy/sym(NH2), 1619δ(NH2), 1279v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 286sh, 309 (11960).


## 2.2.3. 2-Chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline (L3)

Yield 29%, brown oil. Anal. Calc. for C7H8ClNS (Mr 173.7): C, 48.41; H, 4.64; N, 8.07; S, 18.46. Found: C, 48.80; H, 4.81; N, 8.02; S, 18.39%. FTIR (cm–1): 3459, 3358 vasy/sym(NH2), 1615δ(NH2), 1292v(C–N). UV λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


## 2.2.4. 2-Bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline (L4)

Yield 22%, light yellow oil. Anal. Cald. for C7H8BrNS (Mr 218.1): C, 38.55; H, 3.70; N, 6.42; S, 14.70. Found: C, 39.54; H, 3.71; N, 6.36; S, 14.76%. FTIR (cm–1): 3455, 3354 vasy/sym(NH2), 1611δ(NH2), 1290v(C–N). λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 285sh, 317 (9975).


## 2.2.5. Synthesis of [Cu(L1)Cl2]

2-Methoxy-6-(methylthio)aniline, L1 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) in 3 mL ethanol was stirred at room temperature and ethanol solution of CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 3 h. The deep brown precipitate was obtained by filtration, washed with ethanol, and dried (0.08 g, 32%), mp >200°C. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 303.7): C, 31.64; H, 3.65; N, 4.61; S, 10.56. Found: C, 31.72; H, 4.15; N, 4.50; S, 10.33%. FTIR-ATR (cm−1): 3251, 3171 vasy/sym(NH2), 1585δ(NH2), 1245v(C–N), 414v(Cu–N), 314v(Cu–Cl), 280v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 315 (5805), 335 (3664), 454 (3400). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 33.4.[Cu(L2)Cl2], [Cu(L3)Cl2] and [Cu(L4)Cl2] were similarly prepared.


## 2.2.6. Synthesis of [Cu(L2)Cl2]

[Cu(L2)Cl2] was obtained from 2-methyl-6-(methylthio)aniline, L2 (0.24 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.05 g (20%), mp 140-141°C. Colour: Black. Anal. Calc. for C8H11Cl2CuNOS (Mr 287.7): C, 35.40; H, 3.85; N, 4.87; S, 11.15. Found: C, 36.24; H, 3.76; N, 4.89; S, 10.24%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3313, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1250v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 290v(Cu–Cl), 279v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 273sh, 300 (5080), 336 (3360), 428 (2070). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 32.4.


## 2.2.7. Synthesis of [Cu(L3)Cl2]

[Cu(L3)Cl2] was obtained from 2-chloro-6-(methylthio)aniline, L3 (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.06 g (24%), mp 150-152°C. Colour: Deep brown. Anal. Calc. for C7H8Cl3CuNS (Mr 308.1): C, 29.83; H, 3.13; N, 4.35; S, 9.95. Found: C, 29.54; H, 2.87; N, 4.32; S, 9.73%. FTIR-ATR 3340, 3199 vasy/sym(NH2), 1576δ(NH2), 1271v(C–N), 406v(Cu–N), 301v(Cu–Cl), 278v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 275sh, 304 (5690), 333 (3280), 364 (5424), 413 (3335). μeff (BM) = 1.8. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 29.2.


## 2.2.8. Synthesis of [Cu(L4)2Cl2]

[Cu(L4)2Cl2] was obtained from 2-bromo-6-(methylthio)aniline, L4 (0.18 g, 0.80 mmol) and CuCl2.2H2O (0.14 g, 0.80 mmol). Yield: 0.11 g (22%), mp 110-111°C. Colour: Black Anal. Cald. for C14H18Br2Cl2CuN2OS2 (Mr 588.7): C, 28.56; H, 3.08; N, 4.76; S, 10.89. Found: C, 28.95; H, 2.90; N, 4.78; S, 10.61%. FTIR-ATR (cm–1): 3276, 3183 vasy/sym(NH2), 1583δ(NH2), 1273v(C–N), 409v(Cu–N), 303v(Cu–Cl), 275v(Cu–S). UV-Vis λmax (DMF, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1): 281 (3210), 314 (3622), 332 (2430), 436 (370). μeff (BM) = 1.9. Λ (Ω–1 cm2 mol–1) = 28.3.


## 2.3. Antimicrobial Studies

The microorganism strains, growth media, and sterile assay disks (diameter 6 mm) were purchased from Microbiologics, Merck, Becton Dickinson and Company in South Africa. Ampicillin powder was obtained from Roche Diagnostics, Germany. Double-distilled water was collected from the Pharmaceutics Unit of Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University. Sterile saline was prepared by dissolving 0.85 g saline in double-distilled water and making up to 100 mL. McFarland (0.5) solution was prepared by adding 0.5 mL of 1.175 % BaCl2.2H2O to 99.5 mL of 1 % H2SO4 [9]. Agar disc diffusion method [10, 11] was employed to determine the susceptibility ofStaphylococcus aureusATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis (subsp. spizizenii)ATCC 6633, Escherichia coliATCC 8739, and for antifungal activity againstCandida albicansATCC 2091 to the synthesized compounds. Ampicillin (AMP) and ketoconazole (KTZ) were used as positive controls for the antibacterial and antifungal tests, respectively. The preparation of the growth media, reference drugs, agar plates, the culture of microbial strains, and inoculation of agar plates followed standard procedures [12, 13]. Each microbial inoculum was standardized with reference to 0.5 McFarland solution [14]. 250 μg of each test compounds dissolved in DMF was delivered on to sterile assay discs. Ampicillin and ketoconazole (125 μg) were measured onto separate discs and allowed to dry under the laminar flow. Six discs were placed on each inoculated agar plate containing the appropriate growth medium and incubated for 24 h (bacteria) and 60 h (fungus) at 35°C. The diameter of zone of inhibition of the microbial growth by each compound was measured. The tests were carried out in triplicate and the mean values were recorded in Table 3.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Synthesis and Properties

The ligands are soluble in common organic solvents and their copper(II) complexes are soluble in DMSO and DMF. The compounds were obtained in low to moderate yields and are stable in air. The experimental CHNS analyses corresponded with the calculated values; the complexes showed CuLCl2 stoichiometry except the Br-substituted Cu(L4)2Cl2. The molar conductance measurements (DMF) were in the range 28.3–33.4 Ω–1 cm2 mol–1; thus the complexes behave as nonelectrolytes with the chlorine species covalently bound to the Cu(II) ions.


### 3.2. NMR Spectra of the Ligands

The atom labeling for1H and 13C NMR shifts of the ligands have been recorded in Figure 1. The NMR resonances (Table 1) were assigned with the aid of DEPT135, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC spectra. The thiomethyl protons (-SCH3) appear as singlet peaks absorbing between 2.40 and 2.43 ppm. The broad singlet peaks in the range 3.57–4.02 ppm were assigned to amine (-NH2) protons. The aromatic protons appear as doublets and triplets in the downfield region 6.61–7.42 ppm. Additional single peaks at 3.83 and 2.15 ppm were observed in L1 and L2 due to –OCH3 and –CH3 proton resonances respectively. The methyl carbon (C7) resonated in the range 18.42–18.80 ppm and the aromatic carbon atoms have higher absorptions between 112.29 and 147.17 ppm. The methyl and methoxy carbon atoms of L1 and L2 resonated at 17.04 and 55.36 ppm, respectively. The electronic effect of substituents on the NMR shifts of amine protons as well as theortho (H3) andpara(H5) protons was observed. These protons were more deshielded in the derivatives with electron-withdrawing substituents (L3 and L4), resonating at higher frequencies compared to those of substituents L1 and L2. A similar shift was observed at thepara carbon atom (C3) (Table 1).Table 1
1H and 13C chemical shifts (δ) for substituted-6-(methylthio)aniline ligands in ppm.
Ligands C1 C2 H, C3 H, C4 H, C5 H, C6 H, C7 H8 H, C9 (L1) ---- ---- 6.84d 6.83t 6.64d ---- 2.43s 3.81s 3.83s 134.90 125.46 115.04 122.45 112.29 147.17 18.80 ---- 55.36 (L2) ---- ---- 7.11d 7.09t 6.61d ---- 2.42s 3.57s 2.15s 143.20 122.84 128.33 115.25 131.77 125.12 18.55 ---- 17.04 (L3) ---- ---- 7.26d 6.68t 7.07d ---- 2.41s 3.97s ---- 141.32 119.41 129.06 116.16 130.05 126.58 18.42 ---- ---- (L4) ---- ---- 7.42d 6.66t 7.11d ---- 2.40s 4.02s ---- 142.55 126.91 129.89 115.97 133.18 109.31 18.57 ---- ---- ssinglet; d doublet; t triplet.Figure 1
Atom labeling for1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts.


### 3.3. IR Spectra

In the vibrational spectra of the ligands, the strong asymmetric and symmetric stretches due tovN–H of the primary amine group were observed within the ranges 3459–3383 and 3358–3293 cm–1, respectively [7, 14, 15]. The frequencies of both bands were lowered in the complexes to 3340–3251 and 3199–3171 cm–1, respectively. The reduced frequency of these stretches upon chelation has been interpreted to be the result of the electron density of the nitrogen being directed to the metal ion, leaving the amino protons less tightly bound to the nitrogen [16]. N–H scissor andvC–N which appeared as medium bands in the ligands in the ranges 1620–1611 and 1292–1269 cm–1 in the spectra of the ligands were shifted to 1585–1576 and 1273–1245 cm–1, respectively, in the Cu(II) complexes. A shift to lower frequency ofvC–N could be due to the decrease in the C–N double bond character. These reductions in frequencies upon chelation suggested the coordination of the ligands to the copper ion through the nitrogen lone pair [16]. The bands due tovC–S–C (~1100 cm–1) andvC–S (~780–650 cm–1) of the thioether group were not observed as they were too weak [17]. In the far IR region, new medium bands in the spectra of the complexes were observed and assigned asvCu–N (414–406 cm–1),vCu–Cl (314–290 cm–1), andvCu–S (280-275 cm–1) [18].


### 3.4. Electronic Spectra and Magnetic Moments

The electronic spectra of the ligands include the intraligandπ → π∗ transitions in the range 284–286 nm which appear as shoulder bands. The more intense bands at 308–317 nm were assigned ton→π∗ of the nitrogen lone pairs to the aromatic ring. In the spectra of the copper(II) complexes, π → π∗ transitions were bathochromically shifted to 273–281 nm. Two intense bands around 300–364 nm were assigned ton→ π∗ transitions in the complexes. In the spectra of [Cu(L1)Cl2], [Cu(L2)Cl2] and [Cu(L3)Cl2], moderately intense bands at 413, 428, and 454 nm, respectively, were assigned to 2B1g→A1g2 in a square planar geometry around the copper ion. The band at 436 nm in the spectrum of [Cu(L4)2Cl2] was assigned to Eg2→T2g2 transition in an octahedral geometry. The magnetic moments in the range 1.8–1.9 BM indicate the availability of an unpaired electron in the copper(II) complexes which are magnetically dilute.


### 3.5. EPR Studies

The powdered EPR spectra of a series of 6-(methylthio)aniline copper(II) complexes, substituted with -OCH3 [Cu(L1)Cl2], -CH3 [Cu(L2)Cl2], -Cl [Cu(L3)Cl2], and –Br [Cu(L4)2Cl2], are presented in Figure 2. The spectra consist of twog values (g∥ andg⊥) in the range 2.052–2.293 (Table 2). These values are typical of copper(II) coordination to electron-donating group (such as nitrogen) [19]. The relationg∥ >g⊥ > go (go = 2.0023) observed in the EPR spectra of the copper(II) complexes is consistent with an elongated octahedral, square pyramidal or square planar geometry with dx2–y2 orbital ground state [20, 21]. The spectra of the complexes display an axial signal with g∥ ≈ 2.2 andg⊥ ≈ 2.0, which has been associated with copper(II) square planar geometry [21–23]. The g∥ < 2. 3 suggests the covalent character of the copper coordination to the ligand [24]. A square planar geometry is thus implied for [Cu(L1)Cl2], [Cu(L2)Cl2] and [Cu(L3)Cl2], and a distorted octahedral geometry is proposed for Cu(L4)2Cl2] (Figure 3).Table 2
EPR parameters for copper(II) complexes.
Compound g ⊥ g ∥ Cu(L1)Cl2 2.108 2.293 Cu(L2)Cl2 2.129 2.256 Cu(L3)Cl2 2.052 2.142 Cu(L4)2Cl2 2.066 2.215Table 3
Diameter of inhibition zones (mm) at 250μg disc–1 of samples.
Compounds S. B. E. C. aureus subtilis coli albicans L1 9 11 6 6 Cu(L1)Cl2 20 19 6 6 L2 7 11 6 6 Cu(L2)Cl2 19 20 6 6 L3 7 15 6 6 Cu(L3)Cl2 9 10 6 7 L4 8 13 7 7 Cu(L4)Cl2 9 14 6 7 DMF 6 6 6 6 AMPa 40 38 23 -- KTZa -- -- -- 23 a 125 μg disc–1.Figure 2
Powder EPR spectra of copper(II) complexes.Figure 3
Proposed structures of copper(II) complexes.


### 3.6. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

The agar disc diffusion technique was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds using the sterile assay discs of diameter 6 mm. The results have been recorded in Table3. The gram-positiveS. aureus andB. subtilis were susceptible to the compounds and were inhibited by the measured diameters of 8–20 mm while the gram-negativeE coli and the fungusC. albicans were resistant. The copper complexes with methoxy and methyl substituents demonstrated better activity than the compounds with the electron-withdrawing substituents, with the diameters of inhibition in the range 19–20 mm.


## 3.1. Synthesis and Properties

The ligands are soluble in common organic solvents and their copper(II) complexes are soluble in DMSO and DMF. The compounds were obtained in low to moderate yields and are stable in air. The experimental CHNS analyses corresponded with the calculated values; the complexes showed CuLCl2 stoichiometry except the Br-substituted Cu(L4)2Cl2. The molar conductance measurements (DMF) were in the range 28.3–33.4 Ω–1 cm2 mol–1; thus the complexes behave as nonelectrolytes with the chlorine species covalently bound to the Cu(II) ions.


## 3.2. NMR Spectra of the Ligands

The atom labeling for1H and 13C NMR shifts of the ligands have been recorded in Figure 1. The NMR resonances (Table 1) were assigned with the aid of DEPT135, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC spectra. The thiomethyl protons (-SCH3) appear as singlet peaks absorbing between 2.40 and 2.43 ppm. The broad singlet peaks in the range 3.57–4.02 ppm were assigned to amine (-NH2) protons. The aromatic protons appear as doublets and triplets in the downfield region 6.61–7.42 ppm. Additional single peaks at 3.83 and 2.15 ppm were observed in L1 and L2 due to –OCH3 and –CH3 proton resonances respectively. The methyl carbon (C7) resonated in the range 18.42–18.80 ppm and the aromatic carbon atoms have higher absorptions between 112.29 and 147.17 ppm. The methyl and methoxy carbon atoms of L1 and L2 resonated at 17.04 and 55.36 ppm, respectively. The electronic effect of substituents on the NMR shifts of amine protons as well as theortho (H3) andpara(H5) protons was observed. These protons were more deshielded in the derivatives with electron-withdrawing substituents (L3 and L4), resonating at higher frequencies compared to those of substituents L1 and L2. A similar shift was observed at thepara carbon atom (C3) (Table 1).Table 1
1H and 13C chemical shifts (δ) for substituted-6-(methylthio)aniline ligands in ppm.
Ligands C1 C2 H, C3 H, C4 H, C5 H, C6 H, C7 H8 H, C9 (L1) ---- ---- 6.84d 6.83t 6.64d ---- 2.43s 3.81s 3.83s 134.90 125.46 115.04 122.45 112.29 147.17 18.80 ---- 55.36 (L2) ---- ---- 7.11d 7.09t 6.61d ---- 2.42s 3.57s 2.15s 143.20 122.84 128.33 115.25 131.77 125.12 18.55 ---- 17.04 (L3) ---- ---- 7.26d 6.68t 7.07d ---- 2.41s 3.97s ---- 141.32 119.41 129.06 116.16 130.05 126.58 18.42 ---- ---- (L4) ---- ---- 7.42d 6.66t 7.11d ---- 2.40s 4.02s ---- 142.55 126.91 129.89 115.97 133.18 109.31 18.57 ---- ---- ssinglet; d doublet; t triplet.Figure 1
Atom labeling for1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts.


## 3.3. IR Spectra

In the vibrational spectra of the ligands, the strong asymmetric and symmetric stretches due tovN–H of the primary amine group were observed within the ranges 3459–3383 and 3358–3293 cm–1, respectively [7, 14, 15]. The frequencies of both bands were lowered in the complexes to 3340–3251 and 3199–3171 cm–1, respectively. The reduced frequency of these stretches upon chelation has been interpreted to be the result of the electron density of the nitrogen being directed to the metal ion, leaving the amino protons less tightly bound to the nitrogen [16]. N–H scissor andvC–N which appeared as medium bands in the ligands in the ranges 1620–1611 and 1292–1269 cm–1 in the spectra of the ligands were shifted to 1585–1576 and 1273–1245 cm–1, respectively, in the Cu(II) complexes. A shift to lower frequency ofvC–N could be due to the decrease in the C–N double bond character. These reductions in frequencies upon chelation suggested the coordination of the ligands to the copper ion through the nitrogen lone pair [16]. The bands due tovC–S–C (~1100 cm–1) andvC–S (~780–650 cm–1) of the thioether group were not observed as they were too weak [17]. In the far IR region, new medium bands in the spectra of the complexes were observed and assigned asvCu–N (414–406 cm–1),vCu–Cl (314–290 cm–1), andvCu–S (280-275 cm–1) [18].


## 3.4. Electronic Spectra and Magnetic Moments

The electronic spectra of the ligands include the intraligandπ → π∗ transitions in the range 284–286 nm which appear as shoulder bands. The more intense bands at 308–317 nm were assigned ton→π∗ of the nitrogen lone pairs to the aromatic ring. In the spectra of the copper(II) complexes, π → π∗ transitions were bathochromically shifted to 273–281 nm. Two intense bands around 300–364 nm were assigned ton→ π∗ transitions in the complexes. In the spectra of [Cu(L1)Cl2], [Cu(L2)Cl2] and [Cu(L3)Cl2], moderately intense bands at 413, 428, and 454 nm, respectively, were assigned to 2B1g→A1g2 in a square planar geometry around the copper ion. The band at 436 nm in the spectrum of [Cu(L4)2Cl2] was assigned to Eg2→T2g2 transition in an octahedral geometry. The magnetic moments in the range 1.8–1.9 BM indicate the availability of an unpaired electron in the copper(II) complexes which are magnetically dilute.


## 3.5. EPR Studies

The powdered EPR spectra of a series of 6-(methylthio)aniline copper(II) complexes, substituted with -OCH3 [Cu(L1)Cl2], -CH3 [Cu(L2)Cl2], -Cl [Cu(L3)Cl2], and –Br [Cu(L4)2Cl2], are presented in Figure 2. The spectra consist of twog values (g∥ andg⊥) in the range 2.052–2.293 (Table 2). These values are typical of copper(II) coordination to electron-donating group (such as nitrogen) [19]. The relationg∥ >g⊥ > go (go = 2.0023) observed in the EPR spectra of the copper(II) complexes is consistent with an elongated octahedral, square pyramidal or square planar geometry with dx2–y2 orbital ground state [20, 21]. The spectra of the complexes display an axial signal with g∥ ≈ 2.2 andg⊥ ≈ 2.0, which has been associated with copper(II) square planar geometry [21–23]. The g∥ < 2. 3 suggests the covalent character of the copper coordination to the ligand [24]. A square planar geometry is thus implied for [Cu(L1)Cl2], [Cu(L2)Cl2] and [Cu(L3)Cl2], and a distorted octahedral geometry is proposed for Cu(L4)2Cl2] (Figure 3).Table 2
EPR parameters for copper(II) complexes.
Compound g ⊥ g ∥ Cu(L1)Cl2 2.108 2.293 Cu(L2)Cl2 2.129 2.256 Cu(L3)Cl2 2.052 2.142 Cu(L4)2Cl2 2.066 2.215Table 3
Diameter of inhibition zones (mm) at 250μg disc–1 of samples.
Compounds S. B. E. C. aureus subtilis coli albicans L1 9 11 6 6 Cu(L1)Cl2 20 19 6 6 L2 7 11 6 6 Cu(L2)Cl2 19 20 6 6 L3 7 15 6 6 Cu(L3)Cl2 9 10 6 7 L4 8 13 7 7 Cu(L4)Cl2 9 14 6 7 DMF 6 6 6 6 AMPa 40 38 23 -- KTZa -- -- -- 23 a 125 μg disc–1.Figure 2
Powder EPR spectra of copper(II) complexes.Figure 3
Proposed structures of copper(II) complexes.


## 3.6. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

The agar disc diffusion technique was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds using the sterile assay discs of diameter 6 mm. The results have been recorded in Table3. The gram-positiveS. aureus andB. subtilis were susceptible to the compounds and were inhibited by the measured diameters of 8–20 mm while the gram-negativeE coli and the fungusC. albicans were resistant. The copper complexes with methoxy and methyl substituents demonstrated better activity than the compounds with the electron-withdrawing substituents, with the diameters of inhibition in the range 19–20 mm.


## 4. Conclusion

6-(Methylthio)aniline derivatives and their Cu(II) complexes were prepared. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic means. The CHNS analysis showed the metal complexes stoichiometry as CuLCl2 and CuL2Cl2. The electronic nature of substituents affected the NMR shifts of some protons in the ligands. The infrared spectral bands were consistent with primary amine groups, of which frequencies reduced in the copper complexes upon chelation. The substituted 6-(methylthioanilines) behaved as bidentate ligands binding with SN-donor atoms to the copper(II) ions. Molar conductance values were indicative of nonelectrolytic complexes. The electronic and powder EPR spectra suggested a square planar geometry for [Cu(L1)Cl2], [Cu(L2)Cl2], and [Cu(L3)Cl2] and a distorted octahedral geometry for [Cu(L4)2Cl2] (Figure 3). The evaluation of the synthesized compounds forin vitro antimicrobial activity againstS. aureus,B. subtilis,E. coli, andC. albicans demonstrated that the copper complexes showed higher activity than the parent ligands againstS. aureus andB. subtilis. The electron-donating OCH3 and CH3 derivatives were more active than the electron-withdrawing Br- and Cl-substituted compounds.



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