Synthesis, spectroscopic, structural characterization, electrochemical and antimicrobial activity studies of the Schiff base ligand and its transition metal complexes

In this study, the Schiff base ligand trans-N,N′-bis[(2,4-dichlorophenyl) methylidene] cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L) and its copper(II), nickel(II) and palladium(II) transition metal complexes were prepared and characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. The ¹H(¹³C) NMR spectra of the ligand and its diamagnetic complexes were recorded in DMSO-d₆ solvent and obtained data confirm that the nitrogen atoms of the imine groups coordinated to the metal ions. Electrochemical properties of the ligand and its metal complexes were investigated in the DMF solvent at the 100 and 250 mV s^-1 scan rates. The ligand and metal complexes showed both reversible and irreversible processes at these scan rates. The single crystal of the ligand (L) was obtained from MeOH solution, and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding interactions in the molecule were seen which increase the stability of the crystal structure. The antimicrobial activity studies of the ligand and its metal complexes were carried out by using the various bacteria and fungi.