Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

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Inorganic Chemistry Communications

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/inoche

Coordination metal complexes with Schiff bases: Useful pharmacophores

with comprehensive biological applications
Priyanka Ghanghas a, Anita Choudhary a, Dinesh Kumar b, Kavita Poonia a, *
a
Department of Chemistry, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk 304022, India
b
School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382030, India

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Antibiotic-resistant infections on the health care system and the population have put a burden on economic and
Schiff base adequate health. There is an urgent need to develop new synthetic moieties with a better and acceptable ther­
Metal complexes apeutic index. Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an
Antimicrobial activities
amino compound with carbonyl compounds. Schiff bases metal complexes are proven as potential candidates
Antioxidant activities
DNA interactions
who show effective activity towards anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiproliferative, antimalarial,
Anticancer activities antipyretic, antiviral properties etc. The occurrence of basic donor N, S and O atoms in the skeleton of the Schiff
base makes them well-suited ligands in coordinating chemistry. They are found to be a versatile pharmacophore
for designing and developing many bioactive lead compounds. This review begins with a brief introduction to
Schiff bases and their complexes. It summarizes the various biological activities (antimicrobial activities, anti­
oxidant activities, DNA interactions, anticancer activities) delivered by Schiff base metal complexes. It also
highlights the recent advancement in the field of Schiff base coordination chemistry and its future prospects as a
potential bioactive core.

1. Introduction
Schiff bases (azomethines) are acquired from the compounds of
amino and carbonyl groups with multidentate ligands, which are carried
out in generating highly substantial complexes with metal ions. They
coordinate with metal ions by azomethine nitrogen. Schiff base reaction
plays a prime role in the formation of C-N bonds in organic synthesis
(Fig. 1). They show chelation property with O, N, and S donors with that
complexes of metal have a versatile biological activity towards various
kinds of pathogens and tumors.
They also have various properties as biochemical, clinical, and
pharmacological. The presence of the imine group in these compounds is
the main reason they show many biological properties [1–3]. The
compounds of these azomethines are further used as polymer stabilizers,
[4] corrosion inhibitors [5–7], dyes, pigments, catalysts [8], antioxidant
[9,10], anticancer activity [11] antimicrobial [12,13] etc. Schiff base
complexes, which have multidentate ligands, are apt to chelate every
metal ion [14–17]. These ligands are potent for the intriguing novel
therapeutic approach to understand diseases and their cure better. The
complexes of Schiff base of both transition metal ions (i.e. inner and
outer) comprise NO or NOS donor atoms perform an essential aspect in
biological activities was described. Some complexes of these metals
display attractive physical and chemical features because they are
colored and highly stable for biological activities [18]. These kinds of
complexes play a crucial role in many reactions as catalysts like the
reduction of ketones, oxidation of organic compounds, epoxidation of
alkenes, reduction of thionyl chloride, ketone hydrosilylation, and
polymerization reaction. Thus, this review focuses on various aspects of
metal complexes of Schiff base essential for researchers.

Abbreviations: L, Ligand; NMR, Nuclear magnetic resonance; IR, Infrared; TGA, Thermogravimetric analysis; ESR, Electron spin resonance; EPR, Electron Para­
magnetic Resonanc; CV, Cyclic voltammetry; NLO, Nonlinear optics; DMSO, Dimethyl Sulfoxide UV-UV–Vis Ultra Violet-Visible; XRD, X-ray Diffraction; SEM,
Scanning Electron Microscope; EDX, Energy Dispersive X-Ray; DNA, Deoxyribonucleic Acid; CT DNA, Calf thymus DNA; GPB, Gram positive bacteria; GNB, Gram
negative bacteria; PBR- DNA, Plasmid Bolivar Rodriguez DNA; BCEI, Bacteria causing eye infection; ROS’s, Reactive oxygen species; DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pic­
rylhydrazyl; MTT, Cell Proliferation Kit I; HCT, Hematocrit Tes; HepG2, Hepatoma G2; MCF7, Michigan Cancer Foundation-7; IC50, half maximal inhibitory con­
centration; NHDF, Normal human dermal fibroblasts.
* Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: dinesh.kumar@cug.ac.in (D. Kumar), kavita_poonia8318@yahoo.co.in (K. Poonia).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2021.108710
Received 27 March 2021; Received in revised form 26 May 2021; Accepted 29 May 2021
Available online 2 June 2021
1387-7003/© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Fig. 1. Synthesis of Schiff base and metal complex.

Fig. 2. Synthesis method of ligand (L1).

2. Antimicrobial activities 3. Antimicrobial activities of metal complexes

A large number of populations are exposed due to pathogenic
contamination. The potent therapeutic approach is the main reason for
this problem [19,20]. There is a significant thrust for developing a novel
class of antimicrobial drugs with a dynamic mechanism [21]. Metal
complexes with their ligands show hopeful antipathogenic agents.
Abid et al. [22] reported Schiff base metal complex of ZrO2+, VO2+,
Pd2+, V3+, Cd2+, and Rh3+ with compounds (1) and (2) as shown below
(Fig. 2). Azomethine metal complexes have shown an excellent anti­
bacterial property for the Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram-
negative bacteria (GNB) strains unveiled the high potency of these
complexes because of chelation property. Later [23], a similar labora­
tory also revealed the azomethine (L1) (Fig. 2) with metal complexes
Cr3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe3+ and Co2+ by compounds (2) and (3) and

2
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 1. Scheme for synthesized complexes of Co2+, Cd2+, Pd4+, Pt2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+.
characterized by various spectral tools. These metal complexes showed
better antibacterial activity than the free ligand. The main reason for
this was the complexation.
Abdulghani et al. [24] synthesized complexes of Co2+, Cd2+, Pd4+,
Pt , Ni2+, and Cu2+ with two azomethines of cefotaxime antibiotic (L2
2+
and L3) with (4) and (5) (Scheme 1) and analyzed by various physico­
chemical techniques like NMR, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, atomic
absorption spectrophotometry, magnetic moment and electronic
spectra. All metal complexes showed octahedral geometries except Pd2+
complexes which exhibits square planner geometry. The chelation of
two ligands with metal ion exhibits tridentate bonding. The analysis of
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes towards E. coli, P.
aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. pneumonia of synthesized complexes in
DMSO using agar well diffusion technique, indicated that the metal ions
and strain of microorganism are the major controlling variables on
antibacterial action.
Some divalent metals like Cr3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Co2+ com­
plexes have been prepared with a ligand (L4) (Fig. 3) obtained from
compounds (6) and (2) by the condensation method. Khalil et al. [25]
evaluated biological activities of metal complexes. The Cr3+ and Cu2+
showed higher activity as compared all the complexes.
Koz et al. [26] investigated some divalent transition metals like
P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 3. Structure of prepared ligand (L4) with its derivatives.
Fig. 4. The structures of the Schiff base ligands (L5-7) prepared from 5-aminouracil and arenes.
cobalt, nickel, and copper along azomethine (L5, L6 and L7) (Fig. 4)
obtained by the condensation reaction of (2), (7) and (8). The synthe­
sized complexes were tested against pathogenic bacteria and fungal
species for antimicrobial action: against, E. coli and P. vulgaris as GNB
and S. typhimurium, S. aureus and B. subtilis as GPB, and C. albicans as
yeast-like fungus.
Six Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ complexes gained from Schiff bases (L8 and
L9) (Fig. 5) having –SiOCH3 and SiOCH2CH3 groups obtained by the
condensation of (2) and (9) with (10) as given below [27]. The com­
plexes were tested for in vitro growth inhibitory activity towards the
fungi R. rubra, K. merxianus, A. fumigatus and M. pussilus.
The reaction of compounds (7) and (11) with both (12) and (13)
(Fig. 6) produced Schiff base, which was used to synthesize four Pt2+
complexes by Gaballa et al. [28]. Different physiochemical tools
confirmed the preparation of metal complexes. The synthesized metal
complexes were tested for antibacterial activity towards some patho­
genic bacteria viz. P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
El-Sherif et al. [29] synthesized some metal complexes of Cu2+, Zn2+,
and Ni2+ with ligand (L10) by condensation of (14) and (15) (Scheme 2)
and various physicochemical methods confirmed their preparation.
These complexes proved to be good antimicrobial agents for various
pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis.
Abdel-Rahman et al. [30] used the condensation method to make
Schiff base (L11 & L12) Fe2+ complexes (Scheme 3) by the reaction of
compound (14) and specific amino acids (l-histidine, l-phenylalanine, l-
aspartic, l-arginine, and l-alanine acid). Antibacterial activity of all
synthesized compounds was investigated by the disc diffusion technique
against antibacterial strains like B. cereus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa and
antifungal strains A. flavus, T. rosium and P. purpurogenium. Complexes
revealed stronger antifungal and antibacterial potency as compared to
free amino acids with o-hydroxynaphthaldehyde [31].
Shaker et al. [32] synthesized iron complexes with ligands obtained
from sodium 3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate and amino acid re­
actions (Scheme 4). Physico-analytical techniques (mass spectra,
P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 5. Sturucture of prepared ligands (L8 and L9) with their derivatives.
Fig. 6. Structures of derivatives.
electronic spectra, IR spectra, molar conductance, magnetic moment
and elemental analysis) confirmed the synthesis of complexes were
octahedral geometry. The complexes were tested for antibacterial action
towards several kinds of pathogenic bacterial strains M. bacteria, P.
aeruginosa and B. subtilis.
Abu-Dief et al. [33] derived and characterized five amino acid azo­
methine Cu2+ complexes. The Cu2+ complexes showed antibacterial
activity towards S., P. aeruginosa, and B. cereus. Compared to the free
ligand, Cu2+ complexes revealed greater potency towards bacteria.
Azomethine was obtained from the condensation reaction with amino
acids (glycine (gly) l-alanine (ala), l-phenylalanine (pal) and o-phtha­
laldehyde, which was used to prepared Ni2+, Co2+ Mn2+, VO2+, and
Cu2+ complexes by Neelakantan et al. [34]. The synthesized complexes
were characterized and approved for antifungal activity towards three
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fungal species (S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa). The Ni2+ and Cu2+
complexes showed more inhibition against all the species as compared
to Co2+ complexes, and there was no result found for VO2+ complexes.
Rajasekar et al. [35] reported Ni2+ and Cu2+ complexes with azome­
thine (L13) and (L14) (Fig. 7) synthesized by the reaction of compounds
(7), (16), and (17). The synthesized complexes were tested for anti­
bacterial action towards C. albicans, B. subtilis S. pneumonia, S. aureus E.
coli, and P. aeruginosa. As compared to the free ligand, metal complexes
revealed good antimicrobial activity because of the chelation.
Abdel-Rahman et al. [36] synthesized nano-sized Cu2+ and Fe2+
complexes with ligands of imine amino (L15) & (L16) obtained through
the reaction of two α-amino acids (l-phenylalanine and dl-tryptophan)
with derivates (18) and (19) (Fig. 8). These synthesized complexes
showed antimicrobial action towards M. luteus, E. coli, B. subtilis, A. niger,
S. cerevisiae, and C. glabrata. The given results show that complexes
displayed greater antimicrobial action than the free ligands.
Miloud et al. [37] synthesized and characterized Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+,
Cu , and Cr3+ complexes of Schiff base (L17) obtained with derivatives
2+
(24), (25), and (26) by the condensation (Fig. 9). The complexes were
screened for antifungal activity using the diffusion method for A. flavus,
A. niger, A. alternata, and R. stolonifer.
El-ajaily et al. [38] synthesized Zr4+, La3+, and Ce4+ complexes with
ligand (L18) (Fig. 10) and these complexes were characterized by
physico-chemical techniques. The metal complexes of azomethine were
screened for antibacterial and antifungal action towards pathogenic
bacteria (E. coli, S. Kentucky, L. fermentum, S. faecalis) filamentous fungi
(A. niger) and unicellular fungi (F. solani).
Ni2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ complexes (Fig. 11) were
synthesized with mixed ligand as catechol as the main ligand, and as co
ligand salicylaldehyde were studied by El-zweay et al. [39]. On the basis
of magnetic moment measurements and electronic spectra Mn2+, Fe3+,
Co2+ complexes exhibited octahedral geometry, Zn2+ was in tetrahedral
geometry and Cu2+ and Ni2+ were in square planner geometry. These
synthesized complexes were tested against pathogenic microbes
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 2. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L10) and its metal(II) complexes where M = Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+.
Scheme 3. Structures and abbreviations of the Schiff base ligands (L11 and L12) and their corresponding complexes.
responsible for eye infections (BCEI), such as K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and
S. aureus. The obtained result displayed a presence of phenolic group
with electron-releasing properties, and catechol is found more effective
than salicylaldehyde on various kinds of bacteria.
Nejad et al. [40] synthesized Ni2+ complexes with azomethine ligand
(L19) (Scheme 5), and they were characterized by UV–Vis, IR, NMR and
single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex was observed in square
planner geometry. Ni2+ central atom coordinates along with the Schiff
base ligand’s donor atoms & one nitrogen of imidazole group. These
synthesized complexes showed in vitro antimicrobial action towards
S. aureus, E. coli, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa bacteria.
Sahal et al. [41] reported Cu2+, Zn2+, and Co2+ complexes with
ligand (L20) (Fig. 12) which prepared by condensation of compounds
(23) and (24). These complexes were characterized by spectrochemical
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
and analytical methods. These complexes also displayed acceptable
antimicrobial activity towards Gram (+ve) S. aureus ATCC 6538P, B.
subtilis ATCC 6633, Gram (-ve) E. coli ATTC 25922, S. typhimurium NRRL
B 4420, and yeast-like fungi C. globrata ATCC 66,032 and C. tropicalis
ATCC 13803.
The complexes of Fe3+, Co2+, UO2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ 3+
2 , Ni , Mn , Cu , Ru , VO ,
2+
and Zn2+ were synthesized with ligand (L21) (Fig. 13) by Shakdofa et al.
[42]. The synthesized complexes were tested for microbicide activities
at various concentrations by well diffusion technique against E. coli and
A. niger. With an increase in the concentration of the test solution,
microbicidal activity also increases.
El-Sonbati et al. [43] synthesized metal(II) complexes with ligand
(L22) (Scheme 6). The distinctive characteristics of these compounds
were described by different physico-chemical methods (UV–Vis, mass
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Scheme 4. Structure of prepared metal complex.

Fig. 7. Synthesis of ligand L13 and ligand L14.

Fig. 8. The prepared Schiff base amino acids ligands (L15 and L16).

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P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 9. Structure of ligand (L17) with derivatives.
Fig. 10. Structure of ligand (L18).
Fig. 11. Structure of metal complex.
spectroscopy, X-ray, NMR, IR and TGA). Obtained results confirmed that
octahedral configuration of metal complexes and the Schiff base behaves
as a neutral bidentate forming six-membered chelating ring towards the
bonding, metal ions through azomethine ketonic oxygen atoms and ni­
trogen. Furthermore, compounds tested for antimicrobial activity
against C. albicans, E. coli, and S. aureus. Complexes have shown good
activity than the ligands.
The distinctive characteristics of the organotin and organosilicon
complexes of two Schiff bases (L23 and L24) synthesized through (7) and
(25) with (26) (Scheme 7) were described by Jai Devi et al. [44]. On the
basis of spectral studies (IR, NMR and UV–Vis), the bonding between
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
ligands and central atom exhibited in penta and hexa coordination
manner. These compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activity to­
wards K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, S. hominis, and S. epidermidis. Some
compounds have shown better antibacterial activity than the standard
drug ciprofloxacin. The biological activity of the coordination com­
pounds of tin and silicon was evaluated and described by Tweedy’s
chelation theory [45].
Abo-Aly et al. [46] synthesized Zn2+, Cu 2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Mn2+
complexes with azomethine 3-methoxy-N-salicylidene-oamino phenol.
Various spectral studies were used to analyze newly prepared com­
pounds. Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique [47] in a modified way
was used to study the antimicrobial action of above-prepared com­
pounds against fungi—A. flavus and candida and bacteria—S. aureus
(GPB) and E. coli (GNB). Alias et al. [48] synthesized six Ni2+, Cu2+, and
Co2+ coordinated complexes of azomethine obtained from potassium 2-
N-(4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzyliden)-4-trithiocarbonate-1,3,4-thiadia­
zole. The synthesized compounds were tested for inhibiting potential
towards S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Abdel Aziz et al. [49] reported
azomethine transition metal(II) complexes along with ligand (L25)
(Fig. 14). Different electroanalytical techniques were used to describe
synthesized compounds. Ligands and their complexes were tested for
antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and antifungal activities
against fungi—A. flavus and C. albicans
Mohapatra et al. [50] synthesized a sequence of azomethine Ni2+,
Zn , Cu2+ and Co2+ complexes along with 2-(salicylidene acetophe­
2+
none- 2′ -imino) amino benzimidazole and 2-(salicylidene acetone-2′ -
imino) amino benzimidazole. Various kinds of spectral equipment were
used to describe the bonding in these compounds. The biological study
was carried out with the synthesized compounds for testing the toxicity
of azomethine and its metal complexes towards a few fungal pathogens
(A. niger and A. flavus). The same research synthesized and described the
distinctive characters of Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ complexes along
with 2-(furfurylideneimino) amino benzimidazole and 2-(o-anisylidene-
2′ -imino) amino benzimidazole [51]. All these concluded ligands and
their metal complexes were studied for the antibacterial activity against
(E. coli, S. typhi, B. stearothermophilus, and B. subtilis) and antifungal
activities (A. flavus and A. niger), and the complexes showed high anti­
fungal activity and antibacterial activity. Several similar azomethine
(L26) (Fig. 15) thiohydantoin derivatives and their homonuclear Th4+,
ZrO2+, and UO4+ 2 complexes have been reported by Dash et al. [52].
Different spectro analytical equipment were used to describe the
different characteristic properties of these compounds. The study was
carried out to determine the fungal toxicity of the Schiff bases and their
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 5. Schematic diagram for complexation processes.
Fig. 12. Structure of the ligand (L20).
Fig. 13. Structure of ligand (L21).
ZrO2+ complexes compared to a few fungal pathogens. Antifungal
screening results showed better activity of complexes than Schiff base. It
can be explained according to the chelation theory.
Vadde et al. [53] synthesized and described the distinctive characters
of the tetradentate N2O2 donor ligands or azomethine (L27) and (L28)
along with their mononuclear Pd2+, Ni2+ Co2+, and Cu2+ complexes
(Scheme 8). Synthesized compounds characterized by NMR, IR, mass,
ESR, thermal and elemental analysis and conductivity measurements.
Spectral characterization revealed the geometries of metal complexes
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
(octahedral geometry of Ni2+ Co2 and square planner geometry of Pd2+,
Cu2+ complexes). All these ligands and metal complexes screened for
their in vitro antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia, S. aureus, B.
subtilis, and E. coli. The metal complexes were found more active than
the standard drugs ampicillin and streptomycin.
Mitu et al. [54] synthesized azomethine transition metal complexes
of Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Fe2+ (Fig. 16) with ligand (N-(5-sulfamoyl-
1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)acetamide). Various kinds of spectral equipment
(ESR, IR, particle size analysis, magnetic moment, molar conductivity)
were used to confirmed the geometry of metal complexes. Spectral
studies revealed the octahedral geometry of the prepared complexes.
The synthesized complexes were screened for antifungal activity against
A. flavus and A. niger.
Shelke et al. [55] synthesized a series of azomethine complexes of
Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Ce3+, and La3+ with N-benzylidene-2-hydrox­
ybenzohydrazide obtained from (32) and (33). These synthesized com­
pounds were screened for biological activity against E. coli, Trichoderma,
S. aureus, and A. niger. Saad and Khedr et al. [56] synthesized binuclear
UO2+2 complexes of Schiff base obtained through the reduction process
of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-formyl-1-ylazo)-N-pyrimidin-2-yl-benzenesulfona­
mide with 1,6-hexanediamine and ethylenediamine. The synthesized
compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial action on E. coli,
S. aureus, C. albicans, and A. flavus. Complexes showed more influenced
or effective bactericides and fungicides than ligands. Kudrat-E-Zahan
and Islam [57] described an antimicrobial study of Zn2+, Cu2+, Co2+,
Mn2+, Ni2+, U4+, and Pb2+ complexes with the bidentate ligand (L29)
(Fig. 17) formed from compounds (27) and (28). Compared to other
complexes, the Co2+ complex showed good antimicrobial activity
against Candida species.
Some Cu2+ complexes with two novel azomethine ligands bis(2-
hydroxybenzylidene) hydrazinecarboxamide and bis(2-
hydroxybenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide obtained through sem­
icarbazide, thiosemicarbazide and salicylaldehyde were obtained, and
their distinctive character was described by Hossain et al. [58]. Mod­
erate to strong antimicrobial activity was noticed from these synthesized
compounds against the B. cereus ATCC25923, E. coli ATCC 25922, S.
sonnei, S. boydii, Enerobacter, and S. typhinium strains. Thio­
semicarbazide and its metal complexes are more potent than the cor­
responding semicarbazide. The presence of sulfur is associated to an
increase in the effectiveness of thiosemicarbazide derivatives.
Comparing the structure of two, the change of sulfur to oxygen signifi­
cantly reduced the antimicrobial activity. The Cr3+, Co2+, Fe2+, Fe3+,
Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ complexes with ligand (L30) (Fig. 18) a tridentate
ligand was obtained through 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and 2-
amino-4-chlorophenolwere synthesized by Gurbuz et al. [59].
The Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ complexes were derived with 1,4-bis[(2-
hydroxybenzaldehyde) propyl] piperazine: a polydentate azomethine
ligand (L31) prepared by condensation of (29) and (7) (Scheme 9) by El-
Sherif et al. [60]. Prepared complexes characterized by elemental
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 6. Structure of ligand (L22) and metal complex.
analysis molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility and spectral
studies. The complexes were found more active towards the specific
bacterial strains (S. aureus, B. subtillis, P. aereuguinosa, E. coli) and fungal
strains (A. flavus and C. albicans) than free ligand.
Some biologically active complexes of Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ with an
ethylenediamine-based azomethine ligand were obtained through a
reduction process of 3-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzaldehydenephenylhydrazine
and diethyloxalate by Raman et al. [61]. The synthesized complexes
showed good biological activities against fungal strains (R. bataticola, R.
stolonifer, C. albicans, A. niger) and bacterial strains (S. aureus, B. subtilis,
E. coli, P. aeruginosa). Azomethine complexes of Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and
Co2+ with ligand (L32) through (30) and (31) by condensation were
synthesized by Mounika et al. [62] (Fig. 19). The metal complexes
showed better antifungal and antibacterial activities against GNB E. coli
and GPB S. aureus.
The azomethine complexes of VO2+, Co2+, Rh3+, Pd2+, and Au3+
with 2 N-salicylidene-5-(p-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole were synthe­
sized by Yousif et al. [63]. The synthesized compounds showed good in
vitro antibacterial action towards S. aureus, S. typhi, and E. coli by agar
diffusion method. The metal complexes are more active than the free
ligands. Kiranmai et al. [64] synthesized Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, VO2+, and
Co2+ complexes (Fig. 20) with Schiff base [3-(4–5-(4-chlorophenyl)
diazenyl)-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino) phenylimino) methyl)-4H-
chromen-4-one]. Octahedral geometry was confirmed by the charac­
terization of complexes (analytical conductance, electronic spectra and
magnetic spectra). According to the potentiometric studies the order of
stability remains constant in comparison to the metal ions Co2+ < Ni2+
< Cu2+ < Zn2+ which were in accordance with Irving-Williams natural
order. The synthesized compounds were screened against bacteria
(P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and fungal strains (A. niger and R. solani).
A series of Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, VO2+, and Co2+ complexes along with
Schiff base ligand (L33) were synthesized by Anitha et al. [65] (Scheme
10) and these compounds were confirmed by IR, elemental analysis,
UV–Vis, mass spectra, 1H NMR, molar conductance, electron spin
resonance (EPR), magnetic susceptibility measurement, fluorescence,
CV, SEM and NLO. The Non-electrolytic nature of the complexes has
been revealed by the conductance data, except VO2+ complex which
found to be an electrolytic in nature. On the basis of magnetic suscep­
tibility and electronic spectra octahedral geometry has been considered
for the complexes. The synthesized complexes and ligands were
screened for bacterial strains S. sonne, S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhi, and
B. subtilis.
Sheikhshoaie et al. [66] synthesized dioxidovanadium(V) complexes
along with two tridentate NNO Schiff base ligands (L34) and (L35)
through (7), (19) and (17) (Fig. 21). Different spectroscopic and physi­
cochemical techniques confirmed the preparation of metal complexes.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
The complexes were evaluated for the antimicrobial activities against
C. albicans, E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. faecalis, M. luteus, P.
aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, and B. cereus. The metal complexes showed
better results as compared to standard vanadyl sulfate.
Zangrando et al. [67] synthesized the metal (Zn, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb and
Pd) complexes of nitrogen–sulfur Schiff base (L36) (Fig. 22). The syn­
thesized complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against
S. typhi, S. flexneri, and E. coli. [68,69]. DMSO was used as a negative
control.
The improved antimicrobial activity of the complex in comparison to
the ligand can be explained by Chelation theory. It has been clearly
shown that, the following factors ascertain the antimicrobial property of
metal complexes: nuclearity of the metal centre of the complex, the
chelate effect, nature of the ligands coordinating with the metal ion,
According to Tweedy’s chelation theory, polarity of the metal ion drops
down to very low value after complexation because of the partially
dividing of the positive charge of the metal ion with donor groups of the
chelating agent.
4. Antioxidant study
It is proved that body cells suffer damage by biomolecular oxidation.
Free radicals are the primary cause of promoting the oxidative chain
reactions. As a result, in slowing down the oxidative process, the anti­
oxidants attain a significant factor by scavenging the free radicals and
holding detrimental effects to the cell walls. Free radical scavenging
activity is used to measure the effectiveness of antioxidants.
Recently metal-based antioxidants have been found more right
candidates for their effectiveness to preserve living cells getting
damaged from oxidative stress. Synthetic antioxidants have taken nat­
ural antioxidants because they are more productive and inexpensive
than natural oxidants. Research has been carried out on different Schiff
bases and their metal complexes and proved ROS’s effective scavengers.
A study was performed i.e. DPPH free radical scavenging study, to assess
the antioxidant characteristics of synthetically prepared compounds on
the principles of their radical scavenging capacities. DPPH attains an
odd electron that is being used in favor of scavenging activity. DPPH is a
well-balanced free radical that consents to receive an electron or a
proton to develop into a well-balanced diamagnetic molecule, viz. hy­
drazine. A substance having the ability to provide hydrogen atoms or
electrons can transmit the purple color of DPPH to its non-radical yellow
color that can be visualized spectrophotometrically [70,71].
5. Schiff base–metal complexes as antioxidants
The antioxidant activity of bi-metallic Zn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Scheme 7. Synthesis of ligands (L23 and L24) and their metal complexes.

11
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Fig. 14. Structure of ligand (L25).

Fig. 16. Structure of metal complex of (N-(5-sulfamoyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-

yl)acetamide).

Fig. 15. Structure of ligand (L26).

Fig. 17. Synthesis of ligand (L29).

Scheme 8. Synthesis of Schiff Base ligands (L27 and L28) and their
metal complexes.

U4+ complexes with ligand (L37) were reported by Reddy et al. [72]
(Scheme 11). Synthesized complexes were characterized by TGA, IR,
NMR, CHNS and conductance measurements. In vitro action of the above
said compounds was examined through NO DPPH, reducing power, and
hydroxyl radical scavenging.
Fig. 18. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L30).
Akila et al. [73] synthesized VO2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ complexes
(Fig. 23) along with azomethine. The metal complexes were evaluated
for DPPH activity and showed good results. These synthesized

12
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 9. Synthesis of ligand (L31) and its metal complexes.
Fig. 19. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L32) with its derivatives.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
Fig. 20. Structure of Co, Ni, and Zn metal complex.
complexes have been characterized by the use of distinct physico-
chemical techniques. These complexes are all neutral and found to
have square pyramidal geometry for [VO2L] and square planar geometry
for [Ni2L] and[Cu2L] complexes. A DNA cleavage study reveals that
Cu2+complex cleave the DNA molecule totally. In addition, the results
secured against the DPPH radical have shown that the complexes are
effective to a greater extent in arresting the formation of the DPPH
radicals and by lowering IC50 values observed in antioxidant assays
have demonstrated that these complexes have differential and selective
effects to scavenge radicals and because of that these complexes have the
capacity to become drugs to remove the radicals.
The Cu2+ and Zn2+complexes, with tridentate azomethine N-salicy­
lidene-β- alanine (L38) (Fig. 24) obtained from β-alanine and salicy­
laldehyde were reported by Vanco et al. [74]. The synthesized
complexes were tested for antioxidant activities. The Cu2+ complex
proved to be good antioxidant over the Zn2+ complex. This concluded
Cu2+ complexes can behave as nutritional supplements closely con­
nected to the protecting diseases linked with oxidative stress
progression.
The Ni2+ and Cu2+ complexes of benzyloxybenzaldehyde-4-phenyl-
3-thiosemicarbazone ligand (L39) obtained from (32) and (33) were
synthesized by Prathima et al. [75] (Fig. 25). The synthesized complexes
were screened for the inhibition of ferric ion-induced lipid peroxidation
at 100 μm and for reducing DPPH free radicals. The Schiff bases metal
complexes have shown significant activity in ferric ion-induced lipid
peroxidation (60%) in DPPH scavenging in comparison to standard
antioxidant α-tocopherol.
Mruthyunjayaswamy et al. [76] synthesized Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and
Ni2+ complexes along with Schiff base 5-chloro-N′ -(2-hydroxy-4-phe­
nyldiazenyl)benzylidene-3-phenyl-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide (L40)
(Scheme 12). These compounds have been characterized by elemental
analysis and various physicochemical techniques like 1H NMR, FT-IR,
mass, TGA analysis, UV–visible, ESR spectral techniques and molar
conductance. The spectral study and elemental analysis data have
shown the octahedral geometry for Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ complexes and
tetrahedral geometry for Zn2+ complex. The complexes were screened
for antioxidant activity using DPPH and DNA cleavage activity by the
agarose gel electrophoresis method.
The Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ complexes, along with an azome­
thine (L41) (Fig. 26) were synthesized by Yernale et al. [77]. The metal
complexes were studied for antioxidant character by free radical scav­
enging capacity using DPPH radicals. The Zn2+ and Co2+ complexes
showed better scavenging activity than others.
Tadavi et al. [78] synthesized metal complexes of Schiff base (L42)
obtained with derivatives (53) and (54) by the condensation (Scheme
13). These complexes were characterized by SEM–EDX, cyclic voltam­
metry, and single-crystal XRD analysis. The structure of nickel complex
has shown dimeric form in relation to formula [NiL]2 with asymmetrical
square planar geometry around each nickel centre. The synthesized
compounds were tested for antioxidant properties against ascorbic acid.
The metal complexes exhibited greater scavenging activity than the free
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 10. Synthesis of metal complex with Ligand (L33).
Fig. 21. Structure of Schiff base Ligands (L34 and L35) and derivatives.
Fig. 22. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L36).
ligand.
Gulcan et al. [79] described the distinctive characters of six coordi­
nation metal(II) complexes along with the heterocyclic azomethine
ligand (L43) (Fig. 27). The azomethine complexes were screened for
antioxidant activities viz. reducing power activities, ferrous ion
chelating, and DPPH free radical scavenging against Trolox and ascorbic
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
acid. The experimental result demonstrated that the effect of scavenging
depends on concentration, and with an increase in concentration, the
proportion of radical scavenging also increased.
In comparison to ligands, metal complexes were found to be with
high antioxidant activity because of their selectivity, their flexibility and
sensitivity related to the central metal atom, their structural symmetry
with natural biological substances and due to the presence of imine
group (–N = CH–) which helps in the biological activity. In many cases,
because of coordination to distinct transition metal ions that can be
found in biological systems, it is possible to acquire complexes that are
more efficient as drugs than the corresponding free ligands.
6. DNA interaction study
The analysis of the DNA binding effects of metal complexes imple­
ments a current area in the evolution of compounds that can perform
chemotherapeutic agents. These compounds have shown a good capa­
bility to improve genetic orientation and inhibit the growth and repro­
duction of cancer cells over transcription inhibition. The utility of
complexes as chemotherapeutic agents is based on the range of
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Scheme 11. Structure of metal complex with H2L ligand (L37).

Fig. 23. Structure of synthesized complex.

Fig. 25. Synthesized ligand (L39) with its derivatives.

prepared with condensation of diaminothane and 5-nitro-o-vanillin

were reported by Raman et al. [81] (Scheme 14). The coordinated metal
complexes were characterized by different spectral techniques. The
novel metal complexes displayed DNA binding nature. The metal(II)
Fig. 24. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L38).
ions are coordinated by two phenolic oxygens and two azomethine ni­
trogens (–CH = N) of the ligand with tetrahedral geometry around Zn2+
and Co2+ complexes and square-planar geometry around Ni2+ and Cu2+
interaction between DNA and the metal complexes. DNA is the main
complexes. DNA-binding study shows that intrinsic binding constant of
pharmacological spot of many anticancer compounds [80]. The in­
complexes from 1.58 × 104 to 2.71 × 104 (mol L− 1)− 1 is similar to those
teractions of metal complexes with DNA have been an area of impor­
of some DNA intercalative complexes (1.0 × 104–4.8 × 104 (mol− 1)− 1.
tance for developing efficacious chemotherapeutic drugs.
The complexes are bind to DNA by classical intercalation. The mecha­
The complexes of Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ with ligand (L44)
nism for DNA cleavage by the complex is oxidative cleavage.

15
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 12. Structures of metal complexes with Schiff base ligand (L40).
Fig. 26. Structure of synthesized ligand (L41).
The Schiff base Cu2+ complexes (Fig. 28) with azomethine obtained
by the condensation reaction of alternative aromatic aldehydes were
synthesized by Prasad et al. [82]. The synthesized complexes showed
DNA interactions and acted as cleaving agents and avid binding.
A group of Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ complexes of Schiff base (L45)
obtained with derivatives (36) and (37) by condensation method was
reported by Raman et al. [83] (Fig. 29). Supercoiled pBR322 DNA in­
teractions showed the oxidative cleavage action of complexes in gel
electrophoresis. Compared to other metal complexes, Cu2+ complexes
showed higher nuclease activity.
Jogi and Padmaja [84] synthesized and characterized VO2+, Cu2+,
Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ complexes with an azomethine (L46)
(Fig. 30). The DNA binding properties, studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy,
revealed Co2+ complexes showed good DNA binding ability over inter­
calation through CT DNA with metal complexes. The complexes were
also studied for gel electrophoresis and nuclease activity, and the ob­
tained results displayed that the metal complexes can dissect pUC19
DNA because of hydrogen peroxide, while ligand cannot. The intrinsic
binding constant (Kb) of the Cobalt complex is 2.26 × 105 and that of
copper complex is 1.92 x105 and these values expresses that these
complexes fairly bind with CT-DNA.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
A series of Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ complexes with two
imidazole-derived Schiff bases was prepared by Kumaravel et al. [85].
As compared all the complexes Cu2+ complex exhibits for the higher
efficacy towards all the pathogens. Intercalation has been examined by
the interaction of DNA with metal complexes. The complexes of Co2+,
Ni2+, and Cu2+ were synthesized with ligands (L47) and (L48) (Fig. 31)
by Vamsikrishna et al. [86]. These metal complexes exhibit acceptable
DNA binding interactions. An interactive method of binding to CT DNA
and effectively cleaving the supercoiled pBR DNA also appeared in metal
complexes. All the compounds profound square planner geometry. As
compared to all complexes Cu2+ complex exhibits for higher cleavage
activity. Chelation of metal ions increased due to the lipophilic nature.
A sequence of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+complexes with
ligand (L49) obtained from the reduction reaction of (12), (38) and (39)
(Scheme 15) was studied and characterized by Begum et al. [87].
Structural features were determined by spectral and analytical tech­
niques like 1H NMR, IR, UV–vis, molar electric conductibility, elemental
analysis, magnetic susceptibility and thermal studies. These complexes
were found to be soluble in dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylformamide.
Molar conductance values in dimethylformamide points out the non-
electrolytic nature of the complexes. Binding of synthesized complexes
with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was analysed. The metal complexes
showed tight binding with DNA due to sliding themselves between the
two piled base pairs and showing their original fluorescence properties.
Anitha et al. [88] prepared VO2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+com­
plexes with Azo-Schiff base (L50) (Fig. 32). The metal complexes were
analyzed for fluorescence properties and were found potential photo­
active. Vamsikrishna et al. [89] synthesized Co2+, Ni2+, and
Cu2+complexes with ligands (L51) and (L52) (Fig. 32). The concluded
compounds showed strong interaction with calf thymus DNA through an
intercalation mode. Furthermore, the metal complexes exhibit good
nuclease activity for DNA cleavage efficacy by gel electrophoresis.
The reaction of propylenediamine and 4-formyl-N,N-dimethylaniline
fabricated ligand (L53), which was utilized to synthesize four metal
complexes of Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Co2+ by Packianathan et al. [90]
(Scheme 16). The characterization of these complexes are described by
P. Ghanghas et al.
Scheme 13. Synthesis pathway for the Schiff base ligand H2L (L42) and metal complex.
Fig. 27. Structure of synthesized ligand (L43).
using physicochemical parameters and various techniques like 13CNMR,
1H
NMR, IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, UV, powder X-ray
diffraction, mass spectroscopies and magnetic susceptibility. All of these
complexes were found monomeric in nature with square planar geom­
etry. X-ray powder diffraction shows that these complexes possess
crystalline nature. The results show that the Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+
complexes influence the DNA by intercalative binding mode with opti­
mum intrinsic binding constants of 3.9 × 104, 4.3 × 104, 3.7 × 104 M− 1
and 4.7 × 104. The metal complexes reveal an effective cleavage with
pUC19 DNA with an oxidative cleavage mechanism. Iqbal et al. [91]
reported various physico-analytical methods confirmed the synthesis of
metal complexes of copper and were screened for DNA interaction ac­
tivity. The complexes interact with CT DNA through intercalative
Scheme 14. Prepared Schiff base (L44) and its metal complex.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
binding mode by hypochromicity. The metal complexes also revealed
potent cleavage with pUC19 DNA through oxidative cleavage
mechanism.
Reddy et al. [92] synthesized ternary Cu2+ complexes with ligands
obtained from 1,10-phenanthroline/2,20-bipyridine and salicylidene
tyrosine. The complex found in square planner geometry. The complexes
showed better binding propensity with CT DNA. CT-DNA binding
studies proves that the complexes exhibit good binding tendency (Kb =
3.47 × 104 M− 1 and 3.01 × 104 M− 1 respectively. Three different
complexes, Ni2+ thiosemicarbazone with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)
ethane, [NiCl2(PPh3)2 and [H2–(Sal-tsc)] were synthesized by Prabha­
karan et al. [93]. The synthesized metal complexes revealed good DNA/
protein binding activity. Kalaivani et al. [94] derived Pd-complexes with
ligand (L54), which displayed chelating behavior (Scheme 17). These
newly complexes were characterized with different analytical spectro­
scopic techniques (mass, 1H NMR, absorption, IR). All these newly
complexes were structurally characterized by using single crystal X-ray
diffraction. Crystallographic results prove that the two ligands are co­
ordinated as binegative tridentate ONS donor ligands in the complexes
by making six and five member rings. Further, the other two ligands
were bound with palladium in uninegative bidentate NS donors by
making a five member chelate ring. These complexes were studied for
CT DNA interaction using emission titration and absorption techniques.
The protein binding analysis were observed by quenching of tryptophan
and tyrosine residues in the presence of metal complexes using lysozyme
as a standard protein.
Adam et al. [95] investigated Schiff base five ternary Cu2+ complexes
by focus on their structural as well as catalytic activities. Over here for
probing the interaction with synthesized complex with CT DNA they
employed method like spectral, viscosity, and gel electrophoreses. They
P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 28. Structure of prepared metal complex.
Fig. 29. Synthesis of Schiff base ligand (L45).
Fig. 30. Structure of ligand (L46).
synthesized novel NO bidentate ligand [(2-[(3-nitro-benzylidene)-
amino]-benzoic acid) with its metal complexes [Pd2+ and VO2+] . Here
by probing interaction of metal-imine chelation was observed, the
strongest interaction is showed by Pd2+ complex with by constant value
(9.72 × 104 kcal mol− 1) [96]. Over here they were synthesized the new
chelates of azomethine with Pd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+ and Zn2+. They employed
absorption titration for better understanding the interaction of azome­
thine with CT DNA studies revealed that there was intercalation and
replacement binding modes by using gel electrophoreses and viscosity
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
measurement [97]. A dinuclear Ru2+ complex was synthesized with
ligand (L55) obtained from (40) and (41) by Kahrovic et al. [98]
(Fig. 33). The two Ru2+ are octahedrally coordinated by pyridine ring
nitrogen atoms and azomethine and linking phenolic oxygen atoms. The
complex exhibit hydrophobic binding behavior by interaction with CT
DNA.
Ljubijankic et al. [99] synthesized two anionic Ru3+ complexes with
ligand (L56) (Scheme 18), characterized by cyclic voltammetry and
spectroscopic titration, which were studied to interact with CT DNA. The
obtained result showed a remarkable confirmation for intercalation
mode of interaction with DNA through the negatively charged metal
complex. The binding constants were also calculated for the synthesized
compounds. The complex show interaction at Kb = 4.32 × 104 M − 1
value, which indicates good binding properties.
A series of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ Mn2+, and Zn2+complexes with a
bidentate ligand (L57) (Fig. 34), derived from salicylaldehyde and 3-
morpholinopropyliminos have been studied by Senthilkumar et al.
[100]. The metal complexes displayed interaction with CT DNA through
an intercalative strategy. In addition, the complexes were also studied
for their cleavage activities with CT DNA using agarose gel electro­
phoresis method [101,102]. Saleem et al. [103] reported Co2+, Ni2+,
Cu2+, and Zn2+ complexes with pyrimidine-based Schiff base ligand
(L58) (Fig. 34). The DNA cleavage activities of the synthesized com­
pounds were evaluated through the agarose gel electrophoresis method.
Several hexa-coordinated binuclear Ru2+ thiosemicarbazone com­
plexes with ligand (L59), synthesized and characterized by Manimaran
et al. [104] (Scheme 19). The Ru2+ complexes were studied for the DNA
binding activity with CT DNA using fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity
measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and gel electrophoresis.
ET Aljohani et al. investigated newly complexes of VO2+, Mn2+, Pd2+
and Zn2+ with ferrocenyl thiophenol imine ligand which were studied
for DNA binding via gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry and vis­
cosity. Their binding feature to ctDNA was proposed to be replacement,
intercalation or electrostatic mode [105]. A group of Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+,
and VO2+ complexes was synthesized with ligand (L60) which obtained
through condensation of (42) and (43) by Raman et al. [106] (Fig. 35).
Cleaved DNA exhibits for nickel and copper complexes via redox
chemistry, while other complexes were not found effective.
Abdel- Rahman et al. [107] reported novel ligand [2,6-
diacetylpyridinediphenylhydrazone (DAPH)] and its various metal
complexes Pd2+, V4+ O and Ag1+ were prepared by condensation
method. They examined the intercalation of the synthesized metal-
DAPH with CT DNA, where the strongest chelated interaction with
Pd2+ complex was observed with biding efficiency constant of 6.02 kcal
mol− 1. In another paper they have introduced the super facial method of
preparation of new ligand (5-Diethylamino-2-({2-[(2-hydroxy-benzyli­
dene)-amino]-phenylimino}-methyl)-phenol) with three metal ions
[Cu2+, Ag1+, Pd2+] [108]. Here they examined the binding efficiency of
CT DNA by employing different techniques like gel electrophoresis,
electronic absorption and viscosity measurement which showed strong
interaction via intercalation modes evidenced by the docking study.
Mahalakshmi et al. [109] synthesized the binuclear Co2+, Ni2+, and
VO2+ complexes with a ligand (L61) (Fig. 36) having two N4 coordina­
tion sites. The interaction activities of metal complexes with CT DNA
have been performed by viscosity measurements, fluorescence spec­
troscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.
Adam et al. [110] synthesized and reported the biological potency of
H2L with two mononuclear non– oxy metals i.e., Ni2+ and Zr2+ respec­
tively. Over there, they have shown the efficient binding nature of M(II)
complexes with the CT DNA (calf thymus DNA) by using UV–Vis spec­
trophotometry. Ahemd et al. [111] reported another metal complexes of
Zn2+ and Vo2+ which are synthesized from tridentate dibasic chelating
Schiff base ligand. They showed the binding nature of Zn2+ and Vo2+ by
using different analysis i.e., spectrophotometry, viscosity and gel elec­
trophoresis. They found CT DNA biding efficiency with metal complexes
was in replacement and intercalation mode.
P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 31. Structure of prepared ligands (L47 and L48).
Scheme 15. Synthesis of metal complexes.
Metal complexes and Schiff bases can frequently bind to DNA
because of the presence of nucleic acids. Binding to DNA is generally
accompanied by marked absorbance changes in the fluorescence,
UV–vis frequency range and gel-electrophoresis. In relation to the
various mechanisms via which they carry forward on their action, of
utmost importance is their direct interaction with DNA. The ability of
DNA metallointercalators is established by various factors, such as the
atom type of ligand donor, the coordination geometry and planarity of
ligand.
7. Anticancer study
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably
and destroy body tissues. Current drug therapies for cancer treatment
are not so effective. There is a need for evolution in potent chemother­
apeutic drugs, which has remained the main challenge for researchers in
past years. The compound which can control this abnormal cell growth
is known as the anticancer activity of that compound. The first confir­
mation of anticancer activity was determined by a Microculture tetra­
zolium test (MTT) assay. There are several Schiff base metal complexes,
which were found to have anticancer properties from past studies.
Schiff base Cu2+ complexes derived from ligands (L62-68) have been
studied by Amer et al. [112] (Fig. 37). These complexes have shown
moderate antitumor activity in vitro studies against the colon carcinoma
(HCT116), HepG2 cell lines and MCF-7, cell lines.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
The Cu2+ complexes of the ligands synthesized from substituted ar­
omatic aldehydes with 7-amino-4-methyl-quinolin-2(1H)-one conden­
sation (L69) (Fig. 38) were reported by Creaven et al. [113]. The
characterization of Cu2+ complexes and their corresponding free ligands
were carried out with various electroanalytical techniques. The screened
compounds were selected for their anticancer action by using MTT
process [114] by the human Hep-G2, hepatic carcinoma cell line, and
were found to be more active than that of cisplatin.
In vitro cytotoxicity study of a mono basic tridentate azomethine
ligand with six-coordinated complexes of Ru2+obtained through 4-ami­
noantipyrine and salicylaldehyde condensation have been reported by
Raja et al. [115]. The IC50 value for Ru2+ complex and its ligands were
resolved. Four azomethines (L70- 73) bioactive Cu2+ complexes were
synthesized and identified by Shabbir et al. [116] (Scheme 20). These
complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, electro-analytical
techniques and FTIR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray diffraction
analysis of complex (CuL) indicates that these compounds crystallize in
the orthorhombic crystal system. The absolute structure was found out
by using the diffraction data and the molecule found to be lies on a 2-fold
axis with geometry intermediate between tetrahedral and square planar.
In these complexes the ligands are bidentate, coordinating via phenolate
oxygen and azomethine nitrogen to the copper ions. Biological studies
(antitumor and cytotoxic) have proved their bioactive nature. Their
antitumor and cytotoxic activities revealed the bioactive nature of these
compounds. The cytotoxicity brine shrimp results showed their anti­
tumor nature.
El-Kholy [117] reported transition metal complexes series by azo­
methine ligands obtained through the reduction process. Based on
different physiochemical tools, these metal complexes and their ligands
were characterized. The spectroscopic studies show the octahedral
structure for all complexes. Additionally, few of these complexes show
lesser conductance values, assisting their non-electronic nature while
the other complexes high conductance value assisting 1:1 electrolytic
nature. The anticancer and antimicrobial activities of these compounds
were also examined. AM Abu-Dief et al. synthesized a novel ligand ((E)-
1-((pyridin-3-ylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol) and its Ag1+, Pd2+ and
VO2+ chelates which structurally inspected using a wide range of
spectroscopic and analytical methods [118]. The complexes analyzed
high cytotoxicity towards various carcinoma cell lines, including HCT-
116, MCF-7, and HepG-2. Two novel Mn2+ and VO2+ mononuclear
complexes synthesized from the condensation reaction of 3-ethoxysali­
cylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine have been reported by LH
Abdel-Rahman et al. [119]. Synthesized complexes tested for cytotoxic
activity against various cell lines (hepatic cellular carcinoma cells,
human colon carcinoma cells and breast carcinoma cells). A (salicy­
laldiminato) Pt2+ complex (Scheme 21) composed of two distinct sol­
vated and solventless molecular with salen ligand (L74) has been
synthesized by Azam et al. [120]. The real-time cell monitoring Xcel
Ligence system and MTT Assay exhibited that the solventless Pt2+
complex was potent to decrease cell proliferation and cell viability in
human SW620 and HT-29 cell lines.
Mazlan et al. reported the four new mixed-ligand Ni2+ and Cu2+
complexes with azomethine and imidazole or benzimidazole as co-
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Fig. 32. Structure of prepared ligands (L50, L51 and L52).

Scheme 16. Schematic pathway for synthesis of metal complexes.

Scheme 17. Preparation of palladium complexes.

ligand [121]. Ligand (L75) (Fig. 39) was prepared by the reduction of
salicylaldehyde and 4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazide. Based on cytotox­
icity analysis, it was concluded that Ni2+ complexes were inactive, while
Cu2+ complexes were found active towards MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cell
lines. Patterson et al. [122] prepared 12 new (salicylaldiminato) Pt2+
complexes with an azomethine (L76) (Fig. 39) formed by different
amines and salicylaldehyde. These compounds were analyzed towards
three human glioma cell lines Hs683, LN405, and LN18, for their in vitro
cytotoxicity. The correlation was found between new aromatic rings in
the complexes and the aliphatic group length with cytotoxicity in every

20
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

cell line. Above provided organometallic complexes may be acted as

fascinating beginning points for evolving new therapeutic strategies to
cure brain tumors.
A series of various mono- and dinuclear (η6-arene), Ru2+ complexes
with benzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazone reported by Stringer et al.
[123]. The characterization of the above-mentioned complexes were
described using XRD and spectral techniques. The Ru2+ complexes with
their ligands were measured for in vitro cytotoxicity for the oesophageal
WHCO1 cancer cell line. The complexes showed better activity than free
ligands. Both Pd2+ and Pt2+ complexes of benzaldehyde thio­
semicarbazone derivatives (L77- 80) (Fig. 40) were prepared and iden­
tified by Hernandez et al. [124]. The spectroscopic data revealed that
Pt2+ complex proves a tetranuclear square planar structure, while the
Pd2+complex has a square planar geometry. The in vitro antitumor ac­
tion of these investigated compounds towards different human tumor
cell lines revealed that the Pd2+ and Pt2+complexes were more cytotoxic
than their free ligands.
Five ternary rare earth metal complexes (La3+, Ce3+, Nd3+, Er3+, and
Fig. 33. Structure of prepared Schiff base ligand (L55). 3+
Gd ) obtained through salicylaldehyde L-phenylalanine were reported
by Dongfang et al. [125]. These complexes were studied for their anti­
cancer activity with K562 tumor cell. The ratio of inhibition was

Scheme 18. Synthesis method of Ru metal complex.

Fig. 34. Structure of ligands (L57 and L58).

Scheme 19. Preparation of binuclear Ru(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes.

21
P. Ghanghas et al.
Fig. 35. Synthesis of Schiff base ligand (L60).
Fig. 36. Structure of bidentate Schiff base ligand (L61).
increased by raising the number of dosages. These synthesized com­
plexes found excellent results for anticancer activity against K562 tumor
cells. The synthesis and identification of palladium and nickel complexes
from ligand (L81) (Fig. 41) were carried out by Ramachandran et al.
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Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710
[126]. Single-crystal XRD results confirmed the structures of all metal
complexes. The studies for these novel metal complexes were carried out
for evaluating in vitro cytotoxicity towards A549 and HepG2 cell lines
and these synthesized complexes showed the higher cytotoxic activity
with lower IC50 values indicating their efficiency in killing the cancer
cells even at very low concentrations. Kalaivani et al. [127] reported
that Pd2+ salts [ [Pd(DeaSal-tsc)(PPh3)] (1), [Pd(DeaSal-mtsc)(PPh3)]
(2) and [Pd(DeaSal-etsc)(PPh3)] (3)] have the coordination nature of
ligand (L82) (Fig. 41). Several spectral data described the characteriza­
tion of these complexes. The basic X-ray crystallography technique was
carried out to decide the structure of the complexes. The MTT assays
revealed complex (3) showed a higher cytotoxic effect against A549 cell
lines (human lung cancer cell line) and HepG2 cell lines (liver cancer cell
lines).
Ru2+ complexes with another two Schiff base salicylaldehyde-4(N)-
methylthiosemicarbazone have been prepared and identified by Kalai­
vani et al. [128]. Single-crystal XRD determined the ligand coordination
behavior. In two different A549 and HepG2 cell lines, the in vitro cyto­
toxicity studies of novel synthesized complexes were carried out, where
they exhibited significant results. A series of [CuL2] (1), [CoL2] (2),
[NiL2] (3) and [ZnL2] (4) complexes synthesized by a pyrimidine-based
azomethine ligand obtained from Schiff base (2-amino-4,6-dime­
thylpyrimidineand 5-nitrosalicylaldehyde) were reported by Revathi
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Fig. 37. A schematic representation of ligands (L62-68) used for the syntheses of Cu(II) complexes.

sequence of water-soluble Pt2+ complexes of a concentrated amino acid

azomethine. These complexes showed anticancer activity towards KB,
HL-60, BGC-823, and Bel-7402 cell lines through the MTT process.
Abd-Elzaher et al. [131] reported azomethine ligand (L83) (Fig. 42)
obtained through condensation reaction and their Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and
Zn2+ complexes. The metal complexes with their ligands were identified
through several spectral techniques. They showed good anticancer ac­
tivity towards MCF-7, HepG2, A549, and HCT116 cell lines. Sulfo-
rhodamine-B stain (SRB) assay was used to evaluate these compounds’
anti-proliferative activity [132]. Dhanaraj et al. [133] investigated the
mononuclear azomethine Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ complexes (L84)
(Fig. 42). These metal complexes with their ligands were screened for
antimicrobial efficacy, DNA binding and DNA cleavage efficiencies. The
Fig. 38. Structure of Schiff base ligand (L69).
complexes showed outer groove binding due to their large size.
Several azomethine Sn4+ complexes with substituted
et al. [129]. Several spectral methods were used to characterize these
salicylaldehydeo-aminophenol azomethine ligands were synthesized
complexes. These reported complexes have shown anticancer activity
and characterized by Tan et al. [134]. Azomethine and their complexes
during tests with MCF-7cell lines, HeLa cell lines, HEp2 cell lines, and
were tested for anticancer action against the cancer cells NCIeH460,
NHDF cell lines by MTT method, which showed that complexes 1 and 2
Hela, MCF7, Colo205, and HepG2. The complexes of organotin showed
have modest activity against the cancer cell lines than ligand and
peculiar anticancer action in contrast with the ligand, and its activity is
complexes 3 and 4. Li et al. [130] synthesized and characterized a
higher than carboplatin. The complexes of lanthanide series, mainly

Scheme 20. Preparation of ON donor Schiff base Cu (II) complexes (CuL70-CuL73).

23
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Scheme 21. Synthesis of (salicylaldiminato)Pt(II) complex.

revealed that all these complexes are amorphous in nature. The metal
complexes were investigated for their anticancer action towards HeLa
cell lines and colon cancer cells. The results revealed that Eu3+ and Nd3+
complexes were most active (see Table 1).
Due to presence of multifunctional groups, metal complexes with
Schiff base reported for anticancer activity. The excessive attention of
synthesizing established broad range of O, N and S chelating ligands has
attracted enough interest. Apart from, these atoms play a significant role
in the coordination of metals at the active sites of the various metal
biomolecules that possess therapeutic activity or serving as study models
for cytotoxic effects.

Fig. 39. Structure of prepared Schiff base ligand (L75 and L76). 8. Conclusion

Azomethines have introduced a novel class of compounds in coor­

Sm3+, Eu3+, Nd3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+ with Schiff base were prepared and
characterized by Shiju et al. [135] (Fig. 43). Prepared complexes char­
acterized by mass, elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, powder
XRD, molar conductance and TGA. The results showed that the Schiff
base ligand behaves as tridentate monobasic donor coordinating
through the deprotonated peptide nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and
carboxylato oxygen atoms. The thermal decomposition profiles are
consistent with the suggested formulations. The powder XRD studies
dination chemistry. It had a superficial avenue for synthetic ligands. The
complexes with thermal stability drive them to play a crucial role in
several medical applications and vis-à-vis in modern biology. There are a
few well known pharmaceutical agents potent for curing several dis­
eases. Chelation is not the only one criterion for antibacterial activity.
Some significant factors such as the nature of the metal ligand, nature of
the ion, coordinating sites, and geometry of the complex, concentration,
lipophilicity, hydrophilicity and the presence of co-ligands have

Fig. 40. Structure of thiosemicarbazone prepared ligands (L77-80).

Fig. 41. Structure of synthesized ligands (L81 and L82).

24
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Fig. 42. Structure of prepared Schiff base ligands (L83 and L84).

metal ions that may be considered for their medicinal and biological
properties.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Priyanka Ghanghas: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing -

original draft. Anita Choudhary: Data curation, Writing - original draft.
Dinesh Kumar: Visualization, Supervision, Writing - review & editing.
Kavita Poonia: Writing - review & editing.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial

Fig. 43. Structure of synthesized metal complex. interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
the work reported in this paper.

Table 1
Overview data of anticancer activity of some metal complexes with their ligands.
Free Ligand Metal Complex IC50 values fort the IC50 values for the standard anticancer drug Cell lines Experimental Reference
free ligand (μm) complex (μm) (μm) method

C19H14N6O4 [Cu2L2Cl2(H2O)2] – 10.3/9.8/8.7 4.35/4.6/3.1 MCF7/HCT116/ MTT 112

(Doxorubicin) HEPG2
C19H18N2O3 C38H34Cl2CuN4O14 ~17–129 17.90 ± 3.75 15.00 ± 2.65 (Cisplatin) Hep-G2 MTT 113
C18H17N3O2 [RuCl(CO)(PPh3)L] 52.3 31.6 16.7 (Cisplatin) HeLa MTT 115
C38H28CuN2O4 [Cu(C25H18NO2)2] 0.018 271.5 16.05 (Deoxyribonucleic Brine shrimp MTT 119
acid) nauplii
H2MTSali Cu(MTSali)bzim 2.60/~5.0 0.22/0.40 4.04/13.46 MCF-7/MDA- MTT 121
Tamoxifen MB-231

distinctively influence on antibacterial activity. Undoubtedly, a phar­ Acknowledgments

macokinetic and steric factor also plays a significant role in determining
the potency of an antimicrobial agent. The presence of polar substituents
and lipophilic is expected to improve the antibacterial activity. Het­
erocyclic ligands with multi-functionality does have a considerable
chance of interaction either with nucleoside bases (even after
complexation with metal ion) or with biologically essential metal ions
present in the biosystem can be potential candidates as bactericides
since they always lean to interact with enzymatic functional groups in a
way to obtain higher coordination numbers.
The present review is the history of different investigations carried
out for the biological activity of metal complexes of Schiff bases, which
will incontrovertibly help the researchers greatly in designing the novel
class of drugs by utilizing these compounds. Therefore, Schiff bases are
undoubtedly working as highly favored ligands. There is a major need to
explore the binding properties in complexes with an extensive scale of
Priyanka Ghanghas, Anita Choudhary and Kavita Poonia are thank­
ful to Banasthali Vidyapith for providing support to carry out this work.
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Priyanka Ghanghas has grown up in Haryana, India and has
completed her higher secondary from S. D modern public
school and senior secondary education from Khedan Lal Inter
College. She has pursued her bachelors from Tika Ram PG girls
College and masters in chemistry from Jayoti Vidyapeeth
Women University. She has done her M. Sc. dissertation on
“Dynamic modelling and simulation of thermodynamically
coupled transport in catalytic reactions” from MNNIT- Allaha­
bad. Presently, she is doing her PhD in Chemistry from Banas­
thali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. Her core area of research is Schiff
Base metal complexes. She has published one book chapter in
Nanocomposites for Pollution Control. She has also given oral
and poster presentation in some International and National
conferences. she also won the best poster presentation award on her poster presentation in
international conference held at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak on the behalf of
Indian Science Congress.
P. Ghanghas et al. Inorganic Chemistry Communications 130 (2021) 108710

Anita has grown up in Haryana, India and has completed her Dinesh Kumar is currently working as Professor in the School
higher secondary from Navodaya Vidalaya, Haryana, Senior of Chemical Sciences at the Central University of Gujarat,
secondary education from Cambridge School, Haryana. She has Gandhinagar, India. Prof. Kumar obtained his master’s and Ph.
pursued her bachelors from M.D.U. University Rohtak, Har­ D. degrees in Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry,
yana, and masters in chemistry from Banasthali Vidyapith, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Prof. Kumar has received many
Rajasthan. She is pursuing PhD in chemistry from Banasthali national and international awards and fellowships. His research
Vidyapith. Her core area of research is Schiff base metal com­ interest focuses on the development of capped MNPs, core-shell
plexes. She has given poster presentation in international and NPs, and biopolymers incorporated metal oxide-based nano­
national conferences held at Banasthali Vidyapith. adsorbents and nanosensors for the removal and the sensing of
health hazardous inorganic toxicants like fluoride and heavy
metal ions from aqueous media. Prof. Kumar developed hybrid
nanomaterials from different biopolymers like pectin, chitin,
cellulose and chitosan for water purification. His research in­
terests also focus on the synthesis of supramolecular metal complexes; metal chelates their
biological effectiveness. He has authored and co-authored over 112 publications in jour­
nals of international repute, two books, over seven dozen book chapters, and 70 pre­
sentations/talks at national/international conferences.

Dr. Kavita Poonia received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in

Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry, University of
Rajasthan, Jaipur. She is working as an Assistant Professor in
Department of Chemistry, Banasthali Vidyapith,Rajasthan. Her
research interests focus on the synthesis of Schiff base metal
complexes and their biological effectiveness. Dr. Poonia pub­
lished more than a dozen research papers and book chapters in
journals of international repute.

29