Synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation, DNA cleavage, superoxidase dismutase activity and antibacterial properties of some transition metal complexes of a novel bidentate Schiff base derived from isatin and 2-aminopyrimidine.

Complexes of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) with a Schiff base, formed by the condensation of isatin with 2-aminopyrimidine have been synthesised and characterised through elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility, IR, UV-Vis, (1)HNMR, FAB mass and EPR spectral studies. The spectral data revealed that the ligand acts as neutral bidentate, coordinating to the metal ion through the carbonyl oxygen and azomethine nitrogen. Molar conductance values adequately support the electrolytic nature of the complexes. On the basis of the above observations the complexes have been formulated as [M(ISAP)2]X2, where M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X=Cl, OAc; ISAP=2-[N-indole-2-one]aminopyrimidine. The ligand and copper(II) complex were subjected to X-ray diffraction studies. The DNA cleavage study was monitored by gel electrophoresis method. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activities of the ligand and the metal complexes were checked using NBT assay. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds has been tested against gram negative and gram positive bacteria.