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ISSN 0975-413X Der Pharma Chemica, 2024, 16(4): 375-394

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Synthesis, Charactrization and Antibacterial Activity of Schiff Bases Derived from

Phenyl Hydrazine Derivatives and their Cu (II) and Zn (II) Complexes
Tesfaye Lamma, Adelew Filkale, Dagne Addisu Kure, Henok Brehanu Abebe*

Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
*Corresponding author: Henok Brehanu Abebe, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University,
P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; E-mail: [email protected]

Received: 12-July-2024, Manuscript no: DPC-24-141750, Editor assigned: 17-July-2024, Pre QC No: DPC-24-141750 (PQ), Reviewed: 31-July-
2024, QC No: DPC-24-141750, Revised: 01-August-2024, Manuscript No: DPC-24-141750 (R), Published: 29-August-2024, DOI: 10.4172/0975-
413X.16.4.375-394
ABSTRACT
Phenyl hydrazine schiff bases have received a lot of attention recently because of their biological importance and potential medical applications.
These compounds are of particular interest because they have a variety of beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antimalarial,
antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, antitubercular, anthelmintic, antidiabetic and antiepileptic. In this research, phenyl hydrazine derivatives of
Schiff base ligands namely ((E)-2-benzylidene-1-phenylhydrazine, (E)-2-(4-nitrobenzylidene) phenyl hydrazine, 2,2'-((1E, 1‘E)-hydrazine-1,2-
diylidenebis (methanylylidene)) diphenol and (E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine) and their copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes were
synthesized and described. The synthesized ligands, were characterized by varieties of techniques including Fourier transform Infrared, UV-Visible
and NMR (13C-NMR and 1H-NMR) spectroscopies. The complexes were synthesized via the reactions of ligands with the corresponding metal
acetates in a medium of methanol which were then characterized by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies. In-vitro antibacterial activity of the ligand and
metal complexes were carried out against three bacteria species E. coli, Staphylococcus aureu and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by disc diffusion
method. The antibacterial activity shows that the copper (II) complex (TCO8) the highest activity against bacteria than the Zn (II) metal complexes
and the free ligand. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the Cu(II) complex (TCO8) demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity varies from 5
µl/ml-10 µl/ml, against S. auras, E. coli, P. aeruginosa with inhibition zone of 21 mm, 16 mm, 11mm respectively, using ciprofloxacin as a standard
drug.

Keywords: Mixed ligand metal complexes; Phenyl hydrazine Schiff base; Phenyl hydrazine; Antibacterial activity; Minimum inhibitory
concentration; Zn(II) Schiff bases complex; Cu(II) Schiff base complex

INTRODUCTION

Among the many ligand systems that can be found in the chemical literature, Schiff base ligands play an important role and are well known in the
syntheses of varieties of complexes. Complexes of Schiff-base ligands have attracted tremendous interest mainly due to their high stability, activity
and variability [1]. Late transition metal (II) ions derived from the appropriate salts form stable complexes when mixed with Schiff base ligands.
Structurally, a Schiff base is a nitrogen analogue of an aldehyde or ketone (Figure 1) in which the Carbonyl (CO) has been replaced by an imine or
azomethine group [1,2].

Figure 1: General route for the preparation of Schiff bases.

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Nowadays active and well-designed Schiff base ligands are considered privileged ligands ‘as they are able to coordinate many different metals and
stabilize them in various oxidation states, enabling the use of Schiff base metal complexes for a large variety of useful catalytic and biological
activities [3]. A large number of Schiff base ligands are able to coordinate many elements and stabilize them in various oxidation states. Recently,
Schiff bases have been known to be used in the preparation of many potential drugs and are known to possess a broad spectrum of biological
activities such as antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti HIV, anticancer etc. [4]. Transition metal
complexes of Schiff bases, especially the first raw transition metal Schiff base complexes [5], likewise, display a wide range of significant
pharmacological [6] and catalytic importance [7]. Eight of the first raw transition metals have biological roles in human [8] and 5 of them namely
manganese, iron, cobalt, zinc and copper are essential nutrients [9]. Copper and zinc are crucial for the normal functioning of our body as both are
involved in various vital roles in biological systems with copper being important in the synthesis of myoglobin, myelin, melanin and for the
strengthening of the skin, epithelial and connective tissue, while the later mainly involved as cofactors for the catalytic activities of more than 200
enzymes [10]. In this article, we reported the synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of four Schiff base ligands and the corresponding
complexes of Cu (II) and Zn (II). All the synthesized ligands and complexes were characterized using varieties of spectroscopic techniques before
their biological activities were tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental sections

Chemicals: The chemical that was used for experiment were phenyl hydrazine, anhydrous sodium sulphate, p-nitro benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde
(99%), benzaldehyde, absolute ethanol (99.8%), ethyl acetate (99.9%), copper (II) acetate, zinc (II) acetate, N-hexane (99.9), methanol (99.8%),
chloroform (99.8%), dichloromethane, glacial acetic acid (99.8%), DMSO and Silica gel GF-60-200 mesh, acetone, all of them are analytical grade
reagent were parched from Ran-chem. plc, Addis Ababa.
Apparatus and instrument: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis were recorded on a Bruker 400 MHz spectrometer with
tetramethylsilane as internal standard; CDCl3 as solvent. Electronic Melting Point apparatus (for determination melting points of the synthesized
compounds), oven (model OV150ss, Genlab, Widnes, England) to remove moisture. The synthesized organic compounds were visualized by
irradiation with UV light at (254 nm and 365 nm), molar conductance of the complex in DMSO will recorded at room temperature with JENWAY
4510 conductometry, the electronic (UV-Vis) absorption spectra was measured on a spectroscopic GENESY S 2PC UV-Vis spectrophotometer in
the range of 200 nm-800 nm regions in DMSO, infrared (KBr pellet) spectrum was recorded on Perk-Elmer BX infrared spectrometer in the range
400 cm-1-4000 cm-1. All the Spectral analyses were carried at the department chemistry, Addis Ababa university.

Experimental procedure

The synthesis of the desired ligands bearing different substituent and their Zn (II) and Cu (II) complexes were attempted and their structures were
characterized by using a variety of spectroscopic techniques including UV-Vis, Infrared (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
spectroscopy.

Synthesis of Schiff base ligands

Preparation of Schiff base (TL1): (600 mg, 5.5 mmol) of phenyl hydrazine and (706.6 gm, 4.44 mmol) benzaldehyde (1:1.2) ratio were dissolved
in ethanol and placed in 100 ml round bottom flask and refluxed in the presence of glacial acetic acid for 14 hr with constant stirring. The progress
of the reaction was monitored by using TLC by using n-hexane and ethyl acetate (90:10) solvent system. After completion of the reaction, the
product was extracted by dichloromethane and adsorbed by anhydrous sodium sulfate and purified by column chromatography using n-hexane:
ethyl acetate (85:15) solvent system. Finally, the purified product, a deep brown solid, was formed with yield 76%.
Preparation of Schiff base (TL2): Salicyaldehyde (600 mg, 5.5 mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (706.6 gm, 4.44 mmol) (i.e., 1:2 ratio) were dissolved
in ethanol and added in 100 ml round bottom flask and refluxed in the presence of glacial acetic acid for 10hr with constant stirring. The progress of
the reaction was monitored by using TLC in n-hexane and ethyl acetate (90:10) solvent system combination. After completion of the reaction, the
product was extracted by dichloromethane and adsorbed by anhydrous sodium sulfate and purified by column chromatography using hexane:Ethyl
acetate (90:10) solvent system. Finally, a purified yellowish solid product was obtained with yield 68%.
Preparation of Schiff base (TL3): Salicylaldehyde (1.35 mg, 11.1 mmol) were dissolved in 30 ml of ethanol and mixed with (1000 mg, 9.2 mmol)
of phenyl hydrazine in 100 ml round bottom flask. Then the reaction mixtures were refluxed in the presence of glacial acetic acid for 12 hr. The
progress of the reaction was monitored by using TLC in n-hexane and ethyl acetate (90:10) solvent system. After completion of the reaction, the
product was extracted by ethyl acetate. Then, after collecting and drying, the product was further purified by column chromatography (using
hexane:Ethyl acetate (90:10) solvent system. The purified solution was concentrated and light yellow crystal product was obtained with yield 65%.
Preparation of Schiff base (TL4): Phenyl hydrazine (1000 mg, 9.25 mmol) and P-nitrobenzenaldehyde (1.678 gm, 11.11 mmol) with ratio of
(1:1.2) were dissolved in ethanol and added in 100 ml round bottom flask and refluxed in the presence of glacial acetic acid for 8 hrs with constant
stirring. The progress of the reaction was monitored by using TLC in n-hexane and ethyl acetate (95:5) solvent system. After completion of the
reaction, the product was extracted by ethyl acetate. Then the organic layer was collected and dried by anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated
using rotary evaporator. Then the collected product was column chromatographically purified and red solid product with 70% Yield was obtained.

Synthesis of Zn (II) and Cu (II) complexes with synthesized Schiff bases

Synthesis of Zn (II) complex (TCO-1) of TL-2 and TL-3: Zn (II) complex of compound TCO-1 was prepared by mixing solution of 380 mg of
TL-2 and 519.6 mg TL-3 of ligands in 15 ml hot methanol with solution of 507 mg of zinc (II) acetate 5 ml of hot methanol by keeping ligand-metal
ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was stirred and refluxed for 12 hours. The reaction progress was checked by TLC using ethyl acetate: N-hexane
(85:15) solvent system. After the completion of the reaction, the solution obtained was cooled in ice bath and product obtained was filtered and
washed by methanol. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized in ethanol. A white solid was obtained with yield
88.8%.
Synthesis of Zn (II) complex (TCO-2) of TL-2 and TL-4: Zn (II) complex of compound TCO-2 was prepared by dissolving 380 mg of TL-4 and
422 mg of TL-2 of ligands in 15 ml hot methanol with solution of 429.06 mg of zinc (II) Acetate in 15 ml of hot methanol by keeping ligand metal
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ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 16 hours. The completion of the reaction was checked by TLC in ethyl acetate:n-hexane (15:85)
solvent system. After completion of the reaction, solution obtained was cooled in ice bath and the product obtained filtered and washed by
dichloromethane. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized and light yellow solid was obtained with yield 69%.
Synthesis of Zn (II) complex (TCO-3) of TL-1 and TL-2: Zn (II) complexes of compound TCO-3 was prepared by dissolving 320 mg of TL-1
and 391.8 mg TL-2 of ligands in 15 ml hot methanol solution with 15 ml of hot methanol solution of 429 mg of zinc (II) acetate keeping ligand-
metal ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 24 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC using ethylacetate:N-hexane (10:90)
solvent system. After completion of the reaction, the solution obtained was cooled in ice bath and the product obtained was filtered and washed by
dichloromethane. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized. A light brown solid was obtained with yield 66.7%.
Synthesis of Zn (II) Complex (TCO-4) of TL-3: Zn (II) complex of compound TCO-4 was prepared by dissolving 800 mg of TL-3 in 15 ml hot
methanol solution and dissolving 460 mg of Zinc (II) acetate in 15 ml of hot methanol solution keeping ligand-metal ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture
was refluxed for 12:15 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC. The completion of the ligand was checked by TLC using ethyl
acetate:N-hexane (10:90) solvent system. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized in ethanol. The solid product
was obtained as yellow solid with yield 72%.
Synthesis of Cu (II) complex (TCO-5) of TL-2 and TL-4: Cu(II) complexes of compound TCO-5 was prepared by dissolving 340 mg of TL-4
and 338 mg TL-2 of ligands in 15ml hot methanol with solution of 15 ml of hot methanol 394 mg of copper (II) acetate by keeping ligand-metal
ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 22 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC using ethyl acetate:hexane (15:85)
respectively. After completion of the reaction, the solution obtained was cooled in ice bath and the product obtained was filtered and washed by
dichloromethane. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized in ethanol. The light green solid was obtained and Yield
71%.
Synthesis of Cu (II) complex (TCO-6) of TL-2 and TL-3: Zn(II) complexes of compound TCO-6 was prepared by dissolving 300 mg of ligand
TL-2 and 367 mg of ligand TL-3 in 15 ml hot methanol with 15 ml solution of 427 mg of copper (II) acetate of hot methanol keeping ligand-metal
ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 17 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC using ethyl acetate; hexane (15:85) solvent
system. After completion of the reaction, the solution obtained was cooled in ice bath and the product obtained was filtered and washed by
dichloromethane. Finally, the precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized in ethanol. Dark green Solid was obtained with yield
62%.
Synthesis of Zn (II) complex (TCO-7) of TL-3: Cu (II) complex of compound TCO-7 was prepared by dissolving 800 mg ligand TL-3 in 15 ml
hot methanol solution with 15 ml of hot methanol solution of 249 mg of copper (II) acetate by keeping ligand metal ratio 2;1, the result mixture was
refluxed for 12:15 hours. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC using ethyl acetate:Hexane (20:80) solvent system. After completion of the
reaction, solution obtained was cooled in ice cold water and the product obtained was filtered and washed by dichloromethane. Finally, the
precipitate was dried in desiccators overnight and crystallized. Dark green Solid was obtained with yield 80.2%.
Synthesis of Zn (II) complex (TCO-8) of TL-3 and TL-4: Zn (II) complexes of compound TCO-8 was prepared by dissolving 250 mg of ligand
TL-3 and 307.4 mg of ligand TL-4 in 15 ml hot methanol solution with 15 ml solution of 335 mg of zinc (II) acetate in hot methanol keeping ligand-
metal ratio 2:1. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 14 hours. The completion of the reaction was checked by TLC in ethyl acetate:N-hexane
(20:80) solvent system. A dark red solid was separated by filtration, washed and dried in desiccators and yield was 63.5% (Figure 2).

Figure 2: The synthetic routes of the various Zn (II) and Cu (II) complexes.

Characterization of synthesized ligands and complexes

Characterization of the four ligands and their eight Zn (II) and Cu (II) complexes are conducted by employing physical methods like color,
solubility at different solvents, melting point, conductance measurements and also spectroscopic methods namely FT-IR, UV-Vis and NMR
spectrophotometers. Orion EC112 conductivity bench meter is used for conductance measurement and digital melting point apparatus INE-WRS 2C
is used to measure the melting points of all the 12 compounds. For the determination of structures of ligands and complexes, spectroscopic
measurements are carried at the chemistry department of Addis Ababa university and the spectra are interpreted by us.

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Antibacterial activities
The in vitro microbial screening of the metal complexes against three bacteria species Staphylococcus auras, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa by were conducted using disc diffusion method [11]. The discs measuring 6 mm in diameter were prepared from Whatman No.1 filter
paper sterilized by dry heat at 121°C for 1 h. The stock solutions were prepared by dissolving the compounds in DMSO and the degrees of
bactericidal activities are determined by measuring diameter of inhibition zone and comparing them with the standard drugs ciprofloxacine. After
incubation period, the growth inhibition zones in diameters are carefully measured in mm. The clear zone around the wells was measured as
inhibition zones.
Preparation of chemical solution and media for the antibacterial activity: Preparation of solution was carried out using analytical balance
(PR204-alumin (200 g × 0.1 mg) to measure 5 mg and then, the extract was mixed with 100 µl DMSO to form a homogenous solution. A 5 µl and
10 µl of solution were added to the sterile disk prepared using sterile micropipette to know if there is a difference in the volume of the solution
added on the disk. Quality control strains obtained from Hawassa university college of medicine and health science was inoculated on nutrient agar
plate using sterile loop. The plate was incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. A 3-5 colonies was picked and suspended in 5 ml nutrient broth to make 0.5
McFarland standards. From the suspension by using sterile swab deepen and swab on Muller Hinton agar plate in three directions to form uniform
inoculum. Then a disk with a control ciprofloxacin and solution impregnated disk was placed on the plate and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Each
disk was labeled with its unique ID number on the back of the petri dish. Finally, antibacterial activity of ligands and complexes were measured
from zone of inhibition around the disk.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Physical characteristics of the synthesized compounds

Solubility test: The synthesized ligands and complexes were tested for their solubility in various solvents with a range of polarity like water, ethyl
acetate, methanol, ethanol, chloroform, DMSO and n-hexane. The synthesized ligands and complexes are highly soluble in polar solvents like ethyl
acetate and DMSO, partially soluble in methanol and ethanol but insoluble in water and n- hexane as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Solubility of ligands and complexes.

Solvents
Compounds Water Ethyl acetate Methanol Ethanol Chloroform DMSO n-hexane
TL1 X √ √ √ √ √ X
TL2 X √ √ √ √ √ X
TL3 X √ √ √ √ √ X
TL4 X √ √ √ √ √ X
TCO1 X √ X X * √ X
TCO2 X √ X X * √ X
TCO3 X √ X X * √ X
TCO4 X √ X X * √ X
TCO5 X √ X X * √ X
TCO6 X √ X X * √ X
TCO7 X √ X X * √ X
TCO8 X √ X X * √ X
Note: X: Insoluble *: Partially soluble √: Soluble

Melting point and conductance measurements: Melting point measurements of synthesized ligands and complexes using an electro thermal
melting point apparatus (Gallenkamp) reveled that with the exception of complex TCO-3 having lower melting point (190°C) than ligand TL2 m.p.
(193°C), all of the other seven complexes have a higher melting point than any of the ligands and while TCO-5 has the highest melting point,
245°C. The conductivity of the complexes measured at room temperature at a concentration of 10 -3 M by the procedure reported by Geary [12] lies
in the range of 12-22 ῼ-1 cm2mol-1 suggesting their non-electrolytic nature. The physical parameters like melting point, color, percentage yield and
molar conductance of the synthesized ligands and their metal complexes are provided blow (Table 2).

Table 2: Physical properties of the synthesized compounds.

Molar
Compounds Mol. formula Mol. wt. m.p°C Color % Yi𝑒𝑙𝑑 conductance
TL1 C13H12N2 196 162 Brown solid 76 9
TL2 C14H10N2O2 238 193 Yellow solid 68 7
TL3 C13H12N2O 212 187 Yellow solid 65 8
TL4 C13H11N3O2 231 145 Red solid 70 9
TCO-1 Zn C27H22N4O3 515 215 White solid 88.8 12
TCO-2 Zn C27H21N5O4 534 198 Light yellow solid 69 17
TCO-3 Zn C27H22N4O2 499 190 Brown solid 66.7 22

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TCO-4 Zn C26H24N4O2 488 226 yellow solid 72 16

TCO-5 Cu C27H21N5O4 533 245 green solid 71 15
TCO-6 Cu C27H22N4O3 514 217 Greenish dark 62 14
TCO-7 CuC26H24N4O2 487 231 Greenish dark 80.2 19
TCO-8 Cu C26H23N5O3 507 205 Dark red 63.2 18

Spectral characterization of the synthesized compounds

The structures of the synthesized products were assessed by interpretation of IR, NMR and UV- visible spectra obtained. The spectroscopic data of
IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT-135 and UV-Visible are in good agreement with the expected structures of the synthesized compounds. FT-IR
spectroscopy provides a useful method in the structural elucidation and analysis of metal chelates [13]. To study binding modes of ligands with
metals in the complexes, the FT-IR spectra of the free ligands were compared with the spectra of their metal complexes. While we made all the
spectra of the spectroscopic data available in a supporting document, below are Table 3 for important peaks of UV-Vis spectrum and Table 4 for
important peaks of IR spectrum of all the 12 synthesized compounds.

Table 3: UV-Vis most relevant absorptions.

Absorption
No. Compound Solvent (nm) Band assignment

303
340 𝜋 → 𝜋*
1 TL1 DMSO 497 n→ 𝜋*

𝜋 → 𝜋*
2 TL2 DMSO 332 n→ 𝜋*

296
337 𝜋 → 𝜋*
3 TL3 DMSO 495 n→ 𝜋*

264
412 𝜋 → 𝜋*
4 TL4 DMSO 502 n→ 𝜋*

268
333 𝜋 → 𝜋*
5 TCO-1 DMSO 499 n→ 𝜋*

299 𝜋 → 𝜋*
6 TCO-2 DMSO 352 n→ 𝜋*

289
356 𝜋 → 𝜋*
7 TCO-3 DMSO 386 n→ 𝜋*

345 𝜋 → 𝜋*
8 TCO-4 DMSO 505 n→ 𝜋*

299 𝜋 → 𝜋*
9 TCO-5 DMSO 352 n→ 𝜋*

345 𝜋 → 𝜋*
10 TCO-6 DMSO 505 n→ 𝜋*

328 𝜋 → 𝜋*
11 TCO-7 DMSO 342 n→ 𝜋*

345 𝜋 → 𝜋*
12 TCO-8 DMSO 505 n→ 𝜋*

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Table 4: IR spectral data for most relevant absorptions.

New bands
No. Compound υ(O-H)/H2O υ(C-H) υ(C=N) υ(C=C) υ(C-O) υ(M-N) υ(M-O)
1 TL1 3313 2950 1462 1465 - - -
2 TL2 3382 2923 1569 1461 1377 - -
3 TL3 3394 2854 1461 1535 1377 - -
4 TL4 3317 2917 1447 - 1371 - -
5 TCO-1 3425 2923 1593 1467 1684 584 495
6 TCO-2 3240 2923 1617 1425 1761 586 492
7 TCO-3 3430 2923 1546 1473 - 506 506
8 TCO-4 3420 2840 1532 1400 - 518 518
9 TCO-5 3360 2922 1525 1458 1325 548 489
10 TCO-6 3238 2924 1540 1450 - 580 489
11 TCO-7 3385 2931 1525 1417 - 554 506
12 TCO-8 3414 2924 1560 1437 - 517 456

Characterization of ligand (E)-2-benzylidene-1-phenylhydrazine (TL1) compound

Compound TL1 is a brown solid with m.p 162°C and characterized by the following spectroscopic techniques to confirm that it is (E)-2-
benzylidene-1-phenylhydrazine as expected from the synthesis carried out. UV-visible spectrum shown in figure-1 recorded in DMSO showed
maximum absorption band at 303 nm and 340 nm attributed to 𝜋→𝜋* transition of -C=C- and n→𝜋* transition of the -C=N- groups respectively.
The IR spectrum shown in Figure 2 (KBr, v in cm) shows weak intensity band at 3390 cm-1 showing the presence of N-H stretching of secondary
amine. The strong band at 2950 cm-1 indicates the presence of C-H stretching of aromatic. A strong band at 2854 cm-1 confirmed the presence of C-
H stretching methine. (E)-2-benzylidene-1-phenylhydrazine shows its characteristics absorption bands in the 1462 and 1257 cm-1 regions,
assignable to C=N and N-N vibrations respectively. The 1HNMR spectrum (CDCl3, 400 MHz,) shows total of 7-protons, chemical shift value at δ
7.70-7.68 (1H, dd, H- 5 and 9), 7.60 (1H, S, H-3), 7.42 (1H, t, H-7), 7.35-7.31 (1H, dd, H-6 and 8), 7.29(1H, d, H-3‘ and 5‘), 7.16(1H, d, H-2‘and 6‘)
and a triplet peak at 6.93 (1H, t, H-4‘). The 13C NMR spectrum (CDCl3): The Canbon-13 spectrum shows that the total of 9 carbons, 2 quaternary
carbons, 7 methine. A signal at δ 144.66 and 132.31 ppm indicates the quaternary carbon (C-1‘and 4) respectively. Signals at δ 137.30, 129.3,
128.63, 128.45, 126.21, 120.13 and 112.77 show C-3, C-7, C-3‘and 5‘, C-5 and 9, C-6 and 8, C-4‘ and C-2‘ and 6‘ respectively. DEPT-135
spectrum of the NMR shows 7 methine signals at δ 137.30, 129.3, 128.63, 128.45, 126.21, 120.13 and 112.77 shows (C-3, C-7, C-3‘and 5‘, C-5 and
9, C-6 and 8, C-4‘ and C-2‘ and 6‘ respectively) (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3: Uv-Vis spectrum for compound TL1.

Figure 4: The chemical structure of (E)-2-benzylidene-1-phenylhydrazine (TL1).

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Characterization of 2,2'-((1E,1‘E)-hydrazine-1,2- diylidenebis(methanylylidene))diphenol (TL2)

Ligand TL2 was obtained as yellow solid (melting point 187°C), in n-hexane:EthOAc (80:20). The UV-Visible spectrum recorded in DMSO
showed band at 332 nm attributed to 𝜋→𝜋* transition of the -C=N- group. The IR stretching (KBr, v in cm-1) spectrum shows medium intensity
band at 3382 indicates the presence OH. The absorption bands at 2923 cm-1 shows the C-H stretching. Medium bands at 1569 cm-1 shows the
presence of C=N. The medium peak at 937cm-1 shows the presence of N-N stretching. The 1HNMR spectrum (CDCl3, 400 MHz) shows a total of 6-
protons at chemical shift value δ 11.45 (1H,S,OH),7.95 (1H, S, H-1), 7.44 (1H, d, H-7), 7.13 (1H, dd, H-5), 6.97(1H, t, H-6) and 7.07 shows (1H, d,
H-4). The 13C NMR spectrum (CDCl3) shows that the total of 7 carbons (i.e., two quaternary carbons and 5 methine). A signal at δ 159.79 ppm
indicated the presence of SP2 oxygenated quaternary carbon (C-4). A signal at 118.42 ppm indicates the quaternary carbon (C-3) respectively. A
signal at δ 146.79, 133.47, 130.03, 119.77 and 116.53 shows (C-1, C-5, C-7, C-6 and C-4 respectively). DEPT-135 spectrum also shows 5 methine
at δ 146.79, 133.47, 130.03, 119.77 and 116.53 assignable to C- 1, C-5, C-7, C-6 and C-4 respectively (Figures 5 and 6).

Figure 5: UV-Vis spectrum for Ligand TL2.

.

Figure 6: The chemical structure of 2, 2‘-((1E, 1‘E)-hydrazine-1, 2-diylidenebis (methanylylidene)) diphenol (TL2).

Characterization of (E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine (TL3)

Ligand TL3 identified as (E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine was obtained as yellowish solid (melting point 162°C) in n-
hexane:EthOAc (80:20). The UV-Visible spectra of TL-3 was recorded in DMSO and shows maximum absorptions at 296 nm which is attributed to
𝜋→𝜋* transition and around 337 nm for n→𝜋* transition for v(-C=N-) and v(N-N-) groups respectively. The IR (KBr pellet, v in cm-1) spectrum
shows a broad signal at 3394 indicates the presence OH. The absorption bands at 2854 cm-1 shows the presence of aromatic C-H stretching. Medium
intensity bands at 1600 and 1535 cm-1 shows the aromatic C-C double bond. The medium peak at 1377 cm-1 shows the presence of C-O stretching.
Bands observed at 3390, 1461 and 1218 cm-1 regions are assignable to N-H, C=N and N-N vibrations respectively. The 1HNMR spectrum (CDCl3,
400 MHz) shows total of 9-protons. Chemical shift values at δ 11.05 (1H,S, OH), 7.78 (1H, S, H-3), 7.35 (3H, m, phenyl ring), 7.16 (1H, dd, H-9),
7.06 (1H, d, H-6), 7.01(1H, dd, H-8) and 6.96 shows (1H, dd, H-7). The 13C NMR spectrum shows a total of 11 carbons. 3 quaternary carbon, 8
methine. A signal at δ 156.98 ppm indicated the presence of SP2 oxygenated quaternary carbon (C-5). A signal at 143.40 and 118.58 ppm indicates
the quaternary carbon (C-1‘and C-4) respectively. A signal at δ 141.20, 130.05, 129.60, 129.44, 120.89, 119.58, 116.61 and 112.62 shows; (C-3, C-
7, C-9, C-3‘and 5‘, C-8, C-4‘, C-2‘ and 6‘ and C-6 respectively). And DEPT-135 spectrum shows 8 methine. Signals at δ 141.20, 130.05, 129.60,
129.44, 120.89, 119.58, 116.61 and 112.62 indicate C-3, C-7, C-9, C-3‘ and 5‘, C-8, C-4‘, C-2‘ and 6‘ and C-6 respectively) (Figures 7 and 8).

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Figure 7: Uv-vis spectrum for compound TL3.

Figure 8: The structure of (E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine ligand (TL3).

Characterization of (E)-2-(4-nitrobenzylidene) phenylhydrazine (TL4)

The (E)-2-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine was obtained as Red solid with melting point around 193°C. The UV-Visible spectrum for ligand
TL4 was recorded in DMSO shows absorption bands at 264 nm attributed to 𝜋→𝜋* transition of -C=C- group and around 412 nm due to n→𝜋*
transition of the -C=N- group. IR spectrum (KBr, v in cm-1) compound shows characteristic bands at 3317 cm-1 for the presence of N-H stretching at
2952 for aromatic Sp2 C-H and 2872 cm-1 for azomethine SP2C-H vibrations. Signals at 1447.5cm-1 and 811 cm-1 regions are assignable to C=N
and N–N vibrations respectively. The 1HNMR spectrum (CDCl3, 400 MHz) shows total of 6-protons with chemical shift values of δ 8.15 (1H, d, H-
6&8), 8.08 (1H, S, H-3), 7.80 (1H, dd, H-5 and 9), 7.35 (1H, dd, H-3‘ and 5‘), 7.15 (1H, t, H-4‘) and a triplet peak at 6.95 (1H, d, H-2‘ and H-6‘). The
13C NMR spectrum shows a total of 9 carbons (i.e., 3 quaternary carbon, 6 methine). A signal at δ 146.99, 143.58and 141.76 ppm indicates the

quaternary carbon (C-7, C- 1‘ and C-4) respectively. A signal at δ 133.79, 129.48, 126.24, 124.13, 121.27 and 113.12 for C- 3, C-5 and 9, C-3‘ and
5‘, C-6 and 8, C-2‘, C-4‘ and C-6‘ respectively. DEPT-135 spectrum shows 6 methine at δ 133.79, 129.48, 126.24, 124.13, 121.27 and 113.12 for
C-3, C-5 and 9, C-3‘and 5‘, C-6 and 8, C-4‘and C-2‘and 6‘ respectively (Figures 9 and 10).

Figure 9: UV-Vis spectrum for compound TL4.

Figure 10: The chemical structure of (E)-2-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-1-phenylhydrazine (TL4).

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Characterization of complex TCO-1

Complex TCO-1 is a white solid with a M.P. of 215°C. The Uv-visible spectrum for was recorded in DMSO and shows band at 268 nm attributed to
-C=C- 𝜋→𝜋* electronic transition around 333 nm due to n→𝜋* transition of the v(-C=N-) azomethine chromophore. The IR spectrum (KBr, v in
cm-1) shows a peak at 3425 cm-1 which could be attributed either for the O-H stretching of coordinated water or for the amine N-H stretching or for
both. The strong band at 2923 cm-1 confirms the presence of aromatic C-H vibrations. A medium band at 1593 cm-1 confirms the presence of C=N
stretching of azomethine. A medium band at 1467 cm-1 confirms the presence of aromatic C=C stretching. A band at 1684 cm-1 confirms the
presence of aromatic C-O stretching’s. A signal at 584 cm-1 attributed to Zn-N and at 495 cm-1 to Zn-O stretchings. This fact suggests the
coordination of ligand through the nitrogen Ph–NH of phenyl hydrazine (Figures 11-13) [14,15].

Figure 11: UV-Vis spectrum for compound TCO-1.

Figure 12: IR spectrum of complex TCO-1.

Figure 13: The chemical structure of TCO-1.

Characterization of TCO-2

The complex TCO-2 was obtained by the reaction of (TL4+TL2+Zn) as a light yellow solid with M.P. 215°C. The UV-Visible spectra for
compound TCO-2 were recorded in DMSO shows band at 299 nm -C=C-, 𝜋→𝜋*, the band around 352 nm n→𝜋* transition of the v(-C=N-)
azomethine chromophore. The IR spectrum (KBr, v in cm-1) for compound TCO-2 shows characteristic medium band at 3240 cm-1 confirmed the
presence of N-H or coordinated water O- H stretching. The strong band at 2923-2842cm-1 confirms the presence of C-H vibrations of aromatic. A
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medium band at 1617cm-1 confirms the presence of C=N stretching of azomethine. A medium narrow band at 1425 cm-1 confirmed the presence of
aromatic C=C stretching. A band at 586 cm-1 attributed to Zn-N coordination and a band between 443 cm-1-492 cm-1 to Zn-O (Figures 14-16).

Figure 14: UV-Vis spectrum for compound TCO-2.

Figure 15: IR spectrum of complex TCO-2.

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Figure 16: The chemical structure of TCO-2.

Characterization of TCO-3
Complex TCO-3 was obtained by the reaction of (TL1+TL2+Zn) as a brown solid with melting point around 190°C. The Uv-visible spectrum was
recorded in DMSO and shows maximum absorption at 289 nm for 𝜋→𝜋* transitions of -C=C- group and 359 nm due to n→𝜋* transition of the v(-
C=N-) group. The IR spectra (KBr pellet; v in cm-1) of complex TCO-3 exhibiting broad band signal in the range of 3430cm-1 could be attributed to
the O-H vibrations of coordinated water molecules. A band at 2923 cm-1 indicates benzylic sp2 C-H vibration. A band at 2845 cm-1 indicates
aromatic sp2C-H vibration. Absorption bands at 1473 cm-1 and 1546 cm-1 occur due to the presence of aromatic C=C and azomethine C=N
vibrations respectively. The N-H stretching absorption of free ligand remained unaffected after complex formation. During complex formation, the
carbonyl bands were shifted to lower frequency indicating the linkage of the metal with oxygen atom. In the lower frequency region, the weak bands
observed at 584 cm-1 and 506 cm-1 are assigned to the Zn-N and Zn-O vibrations, respectively. This fact suggests the coordination of ligand through
the nitrogen Ph-NH of phenyl hydrazine (Figures 17-19) [14,15].

Figure 17: Uv-Vis spectrum for compound TCO3.

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Figure 18: IR spectrum for complex TCO3.

Figure 19: The chemical structure of TCO-3.

Characterization of TCO-4

Complex TCO-4 was obtained by the reaction of (TL-3+TL-3+Zn) as yellow powder (melting point 190). The Uv-visible spectrum for compound
TCO-4 was recorded in DMSO and shows band at 345 nm for 𝜋→𝜋* transition of -C=C- group and 505 nm for n→𝜋* transition of the v(-C=N-)
group. The IR (KBr pellet; v in cm-1) spectrum shows weak absorption band around 3420 cm-1 indicating the presence O-H vibrations of
coordinated water molecules and 3104 cm-1 corresponds amine N-H vibrations. A band at 2922 cm-1 reveals aromatic sp2C-H vibrations, a band at
2840 cm-1 reveals benzylic sp2C-H vibrations. A band at 1624cm-1 in free Schiff base is due to C=N vibration. A strong band at 1101 cm-1 indicated
C-N stretch that attached to aryl carbon. A band at 952 cm-1-830 cm-1 confirmed the presence of N-N stretching of azomethine. A band at 539 cm-1
indicates the formation of (Zn-N) and a band a476 cm-1 shows the formation of (Zn-O). The shifting of band to lower frequency in the metal
complexes when compared to free ligand, suggests the coordination of metal ion through nitrogen atom of azomethine group. It is expected that
coordination of nitrogen to the metal atom would reduce the electron density in the azomethine link and thus lower the -HC=N absorption (Figure
20-22) [16].

Figure 20: UV-Vis spectrum of complex TCO-4.

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Figure 21: IR spectrum of complex TCO-4.

Figure 22: The chemical structure of TCO-4.

Characterization of TCO-5

The complex TCO-5 was obtained by the reaction of (TL4+TL2+Cu) as green solid (melting point 245) in n-hexane-ethyl acetate (85:15). The Uv-
Visible spectrum of TCO-5 was recorded in DMSO and shows band at 298 nm 𝜋→𝜋* transition for -C=C- chromophore and around 419 nm due to
n→𝜋* transition of the v(-C=N-) azomethine chromophore. The IR spectrum of the schiff base has a strong absorption band at 3014 cm-1 which
corresponds to the N-H vibrations. A medium intensity band at 1525cm-1 is regarded as an aromatic -C=C- vibrations. The shift of band to lower
wave number indicates that the azomethane nitrogen is coordinated to the metal ion. The high intensity band due to Phenolic C-O appeared at 1324
cm-1 in the Schiff base, appeared as a medium to high intensity band in the 1458 cm-1 region in the complex. New bands, which are not present in
the spectrum of ligand appeared in the spectra of complexes in the range of 538 cm-1-581 cm-1, corresponding to ν(Cu-N) and 489 cm-1 to ν(Cu-O)
vibrations respectively [17]. The appearance of ν(Cu-N) and ν(Cu-O) vibrations support the involvement of N and O atoms in complex formation
with metal ions (Figures 23-25).

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Figure 23: UV-Vis spectrum of complex TCO-5.

Figure 24: IR spectrum of complex TCO-6.

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Figure 25: The chemical structure of TCO-5.

Characterization of TCO-6

Complex TCO-6 was obtained by the reaction of (TL3+TL2+Cu) was obtained as greenish dark (melting point 217) in n-hexane-ethyl acetate
(80:20). The UV-visible spectrum for compound TCO-6 were recorded in DMSO shows band at 340 nm 𝜋→𝜋* transition from -C=C- chromophore
and n→𝜋* transition of the v(-C=N-). The IR (KBr pellet; v in cm-1) spectrum a weak absorption band at 3054 cm-1 corresponds (N-H, amine). A
band at 2924 cm-1 revealed aromatic sp2C-H stretch, Absorption band in the range 2675 indicate aliphatic C-H stretching. Absorption band at 145°
cm-1 due to aromatic C-C double bond stretching. A strong band at 1144 cm-1 indicated C-N stretch that attached to aryl carbon. New bands, which
are not present in the spectrum of ligand, appeared in the spectra of complexes in the range of 580 cm-1, corresponding to ν(Cu-N) and 489 cm-1 to
ν(Cu-O) vibrations respectively. The appearance of ν(Cu-N) and ν(Cu-O) vibrations support the involvement of N and O atoms in complexation
with the cupper II ion (Figures 26-28).

Figure 26: UV-Vis spectrum of complex TCO-6.

Figure 27: IR spectrum of complex TCO-6.

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Figure 28: The chemical structure of TCO-6.

Characterization of TCO-7

The Complex TCO-7 was obtained by the reaction of (TL-3+TL-3 Cu), TCO-7 compound were obtained as greenish dark (melting point 231) in n-
hexane–ethyl acetate (85:15) the data were obtained. The Uv-visible spectrum of TCO-7 was recorded in DMSO shows band at 328 nm and 342 nm
𝜋→𝜋* transition from -C=C- chromophore and n→𝜋* transition of v (-C=N-) chromophore. The IR (KBr pellet;v in cm-1) spectrum a weak
absorption band at 3385 cm-1corresponds (N-H, amine). A band at 2931 cm-1 revealed aromatic sp2 C-H stretch. A band at 2822 cm-1 revealed
aromatic sp2 C-H stretch. Absorption band at 1417 cm-1 due to aromatic C-C double bond stretching. A strong band at 1525 cm-1 indicated C-N
stretch that attached to aryl carbon. Bands, which are not present in the spectrum of ligand appeared in the spectra of complexes in the range of 588
cm-1-1554 cm-1, corresponding to ν(Cu-N) and 506 cm-1 to ν(Cu-O) vibrations respectively. The appearance of ν(Cu-N) and ν(Cu-O) vibrations
support the involvement of N and O atoms in complex formation with metal ions (Figures 29-31).

Figure 29: UV-Vis spectrum of complex TCO-7.

Figure 30: IR spectrum of complex TCO-7.

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Figure 31: The chemical structure of TCO-7.

Characterization of TCO-8

The complex TCO-8 was obtained by the reaction of (TL3+TL4 Cu) as greenish dark (melting point 205) in n-hexane–ethyl acetate (70:30). The
Uv-visible spectrum for compound TCO-8 was recorded in DMSO shows band at 358 nm and 414 nm 𝜋→𝜋* and n→ 𝜋* transition of the -C=C- and
v (-C=N-). The IR spectrum (KBr pellet; v in cm-1 exhibit broad bands peak in the range of 3414cm-1 indicating the presence of coordinated water
molecules and 3187cm-1 (N-H, amine). A band at 2924 cm-1 revealed aromatic sp2C-H stretch. A band at 2841 cm-1 revealed aromatic sp2C-H
stretch. A strong band at 1277 cm-1 indicated N-N stretch that attached to aryl carbon. A strong band at 1560 cm-1 indicated C-N stretch that
attached to aryl carbon. A new band, which are not present in the spectrum of ligand appeared in the spectra of complexes in the range of 517 cm-1,
corresponding to ν(Zn-N) and 456 cm-1 to ν(Zn-O) vibrations respectively. The appearance of ν(Zn-N) and ν(Zn-O) vibrations support the
involvement of N and O atoms in complexation with zinc ions (Figures 32-34).

Figure 32: UV-Vis spectrum of complex TCO-8.

Figure 33: IR spectrum of complex TCO-8.

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Figure 34: The chemical structure of TCO-8.

Antibacterial activity tests

The in vitro anti-bacterial activity comparative study of the growth inhibition zone values of Schiff bases and their complexes against the gram +ve
Staphylococcus auraes andgram –ve Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disc diffusion method indicates [18] that metal complexes
exhibit higher anti-bacterial activity than the free ligand and the results is given in the Table 6. According to Overtone ‘s concept of cell
permeability, the lipid membrane that surrounds the cell favors the passage of only lipid soluble materials due to which lip solubility is considered
to be an important factor that controls the anti-microbial activity. On chelation, the polarity of the metal ion will be reduced to a greater extent due
to the overlap of the ligand orbital and partial sharing of positive charge of metal ion with donor groups [19]. Further, it increases the delocalization
of the π electrons over the whole chelate ring and enhances the lipophilicity of the complex. This increased lipophilicity enhances the penetration of
the complexes into lipid membrane and thus blocks the metal binding sites on enzymes of microorganisms [20]. These metal complexes also disturb
the respiration process of the cell and thus block the synthesis of proteins, which restricts further growth of the organism [21]. The variation in the
activity of different complexes against different organisms depend either on the impermeability of the cells of the microbes or difference in
ribosomes of microbial cells [22]. The inhibition zones of antibacterial activity are presented in the Tables 5 and 6. The zones of inhibition values
(Figures 19-23) indicate that all the compounds exhibited a varied range 6 mm-21 mm of antibacterial activity (Tables 5 and 6). Ligand TL4 and
metal complexes TCO-6, TCO-7 and TCO-8 showed comparatively good activities against Staphylococcus auras and the ligand TL1 have shown
moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus auras species. The complex TCO-7 and TCO-8 have showed comparatively good
antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli than against other species. The complex TCO-5 and TCO-7 has shown better activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa species.

Table 5. Antibacterial activity test results of metal complexes.

Inhibition zone(mm) on bacteria
Agents/chemical (µl) S. auraes (mm) E. coli (mm) P. aeruginosa
TCO-1(5) 6 6 6
TCO-1(10) 6 6 6
TCO-2(5) 6 6 6
TCO-2(10) 6 6 9
TCO-3(5) 6 6 6
TCO-3(10) 6 8 6
TCO-4(5) 6 6 6
TCO-4(10) 6 6 6
TCO-5(5) 6 6 6
TCO-5(10) 6 7 6
TCO-6(5) 8 9 8
TCO-6(10 13 8 11
TCO-7(5) 16 15 9
TCO-7(10) 17 20 14

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TCO-8(5) 18 12 8
TCO-8(10) 21 16 11
Ciprofloxacin 25 28 23

Table 6: Antibacterial activity of ligands.

Inhibition zone(mm) on bacteria

P. aeruginosa
Agents/chemical (µl) S. auraes (mm) E. coli (mm) (mm)

TL1(5) 6 6 6

TL1(10) 7 6 7

TL3(5) 6 6 6

TL3(10) 6 8 6

TL4(5) 6 6 6

TL4(10) 7 8 6

Ciprofloxacin 22 25 23

The results of the antibacterial activity show that the copper (II) complexes of ligand having electron withdrawing substituent have showed
excellent antibacterial activities [23]. In general, the results indicate that Cu (II) complexes gave highest activity or effective against the bacteria
than the Zn (II) metal complexes and free ligand. However, as compared to the standard drugs antibacterial activities of the complexes are moderate
TCO-5, TCO-6, TCO-7 and TCO-8 showed good antibacterial activities relative to the standard ciprofloxacin. As concentration of the complexes
increase their activities increase correspondingly (Figures 35-39).

Figure 35: Zone of inhibition E. coli image of ligands.

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Figure 36: Zone of inhibition P. aeruginosa image of ligands.

Figure 37: Zone of inhibition S. auraes of ligands.

Figure 38: Zone of inhibition E. coli image of complexes.

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Figure 39: Zone of inhibition Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) image of complexes.

CONCLUSION

Four phenyl hydrazine based Schiff base ligands and their Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes with varied combinations of the four ligands have been
synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The spectroscopic techniques employed revealed that Schiff base
coordinates through its azo-methane nitrogen ‘s to the metal ion and acts as a neutral bi-dentate ligand. All the complexes are stable and have sharp
melting points that ranges from 162°C to 245°C indicating their high purity. The melting point is a vital physical property of a compound that can
be used to identify a substance and as an indicator of its purity. The conductance measurements of all the synthesized ligands and complexes are
non-electrolyte in nature. All of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial activity by the disc diffusion method. The in-
vitro antibacterial activities were screened against three different bacterial strains Staphylococcus auras, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. Of the four ligands, ligand TL4 showed the highest activity against all of the three bacterial strains. Complex TCO-8 showed the
highest activity against S. auras but none of the ligands and complexes showed a higher activity than the standard ciprofloxacin.

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