A new zinc(II) complex with N2O2-tetradentate schiff-base derived from pyridoxal-S-methylthiosemicarbazone: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, DFT, molecular docking and antioxidant activity studies

Synthesis, DFT, Molecular Docking, and Antimicrobial Studies of New Indole-Thiosemicarbazone Ligand and Their Complexes with Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II)

Indole-3-carbaldehyde based novel ligand (E)-2-((1-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-N-methylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (MBIHC) and its metal complexes [(MBIHC)2FeCl2]Cl(C1), [(MBIHC-)2Co] (C2), [(MBIHC-)2Ni] (C3), and [(MBIHC-)2Cu] (C4) have been synthesized. All synthesized compounds have been characterized by various spectroanalytical techniques. The structure of MBIHC was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray data. The geometry of metal complexes was determined by spectroscopic and computational studies. In the case of iron complex, ligand MBIHC coordinated to the metal ion in bidentate mode (via nitrogen, sulphur donor atoms) while in the case of cobalt, nickel, and copper complexes ligand act as a tridentate ligand (via nitrogen, sulphur, carbene donor atoms). In vitro, antifungal and antibacterial studies of ligand and metal complexes were assayed against C. albicans, C. glabrata, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae pathogens. In antifungal activity, complex C1 exhibited a greater inhibition zone than the other compounds for the both examined fungi C. albicans (24±0.32 mm) and C. glabrata (20±0.16 mm). However, the antifungal activities of complex C2 has shown better activity against both E. coli (25±0.24 mm) and K. pneumoniae (16±0.80 mm) pathogens than the other examined compound. Complex C2 has found even better than the benchmark drug Ampiciline in case of E. coli. Further, the DFT calculations and molecular docking studies also validate the experimental bioactivity results of examined compounds.

Effects of changing ions on the crystal design, non-covalent interactions, antimicrobial activity, and molecular docking of Cu(II) complexes with a pyridoxal-hydrazone ligand

The present work reports the influence of the presence of different ions (Cl-, Br-, NO3 -, or SO4 2-) on the formation and proprieties of Cu(II) complexes with pyridoxal-benzoylhydrazone (PLBHZ). Four new complexes were successfully synthesized, [CuCl2(PLBHZ)] (1), [CuBr2(PLBHZ)] (2), [CuCl(PLBHZ)H2O]⋅NO3⋅H2O (3), and [CuSO4(PLBHZ)H2O]⋅3H2O (4), and characterized by spectroscopic and physicochemical methods. A single-crystal X-ray study reveals the Schiff base coordinated to the metal center tridentate by the ONS-donor system, resulting in distorted square pyramidal coordination geometries. Noncovalent interactions were investigated by 3D Hirshfeld surface analysis by the d norm function, 2D fingerprint plots, and full interaction maps. The ion exchange is important in forming three-dimensional networks with π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The in vitro biological activity of the free ligand and metal complexes was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and the free pyridoxal-hydrazone ligand showed higher activity than their Cu(II) complexes. Molecular docking was used to predict the inhibitory activity of the ligand and complexes against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria.

Spectroscopic and theoretical studies on a novel bis(salamo)-like probe for highly effective fluorimetric-colorimetric identification of Fe3+ and Cu2+ in aquo-organic medium

A novel bis(salamo)-type sensor FT for fluorescence-colorimetric recognition of Fe3+/Cu2+ has been created, which revealed significant fluorescent performance and colorimetric sensing ability for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions, superior to other related competitive metal ions. Interestingly, the binding of the FT probe with Cu2+ ions manifested an instant color change from colorless to red in sunlight, which is detectable by the naked-eye, and a fluorescence turn-off response under UV light for Fe3+ and Cu2+. The results demonstrated that the probe exhibits better sensitivity, greater affinity and lower limit of detection leading to quick response time in an aquo-organic medium. The excited state property of the FT probe and in the presence of Cu2+/Fe3+ was evaluated on the basis of DFT & TD-DFT results. Furthermore, test strips have been provided for convenient monitoring of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions by naked eye and fluorescence method.

A fluorescent Salamo-Salen-Salamo-Zn(II) sensor for bioimaging and biosensing H2PO4- in Zebrafish and plants

A newly designed and synthesized Salamo-Salen-Salamo-Zn(II) complex sensor (sensor ZT) was extensively explored for anion sensing studies. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor ZT towards H2PO4- ions were based on ICT and CHEF effects, and via displacement pathways in DMSO/H2O (9:1, v/v) medium in the presence of other anions like, PO43-, HPO42- and P2O74- in a short time, separately. The prepared ZT sensor has excellent association constant and low detection lines. The sensing mechanism and binding mode of the sensor were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, HR-MS, 1H NMR titration and theory calculations (DFT & TD-DFT) for analytes. The time response and stability of the sensor are also given. Meanwhile, the sensor ZT can be widely used as a simple and effective solid-state optical sensor to detect H2PO4- by intuitive fluorescence changes. In addition, besides the environment can be used as a powerful instrument for detecting H2PO4-, based on the good biocompatibility and tissue permeability of ZT, effectively monitoring H2PO4- in cellular distribution by confocal microscopy using Zebrafish and bean sprout.

Synthesis, characterization, anticancer activity and molecular docking of metal complexes bearing a new Schiff base ligand

2-((E)-((4-(((E)-4-Nitrobenzylidene)amino)phenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol, was synthesised followed by metalation with Fe(III), Co(III), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) metals. The compounds were characterised by different methods CHN, AAS, IR, NMR, XRD, TGA and UV-Vis. The results reveal that the ligand has bidentate behavior, and it is bound with metals by a coordination bond through both the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group and the oxygen atom, this provided an octahedral geometry. The X-ray diffraction of the compounds indicate that the ligands and complexes of Co(III), Fe(III) and Zn(II) have a crystalline nature, whereas the Ni(II) and Cu(II) have an amorphous structure. The agar diffusion method (hole plate) was used to evaluate the ligand's and its complexes' antibacterial and antifungal effects on Salmonella enterica serovar typhi and Candida albicans, respectively. It was observed that the Fe(III) complex had the best activity among the compounds against microbial strains. Cytotoxicity of new metal complexes was also assessed against A549, HepG-2 and PC-3 cancer cells. Results demonstrated that the Cu(II) complex displayed the preeminent activity among the synthesised compounds against all the tested cell lines. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation revealed that the Fe(III) complex is shown to have a high affinity with the active sites of two targets of microbial strains. Also, the Cu(II) complex shown to has a high affinity with the active sites of three targets of A-549, HepG-2 and PC-3 cancer cells, which was confirmed by the formation of the different modes of interaction.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anticancer activity of Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes based on new unsymmetrical salophen-type ligands: synthesis, characterization and single-crystal X-ray diffraction

The discovery of new coordination compounds with anticancer properties is an active field of research due to the severe side effects of platinum-based compounds currently used in chemotherapy. In the search for new agents for the treatment of cancer, unsymmetrical N2O2-tetradentate ligand (H2L1 and H2L2) and their Ni(II) and Zn(II) asymmetric complexes (NiII-L1-2 and ZnII-L1-2) have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1H NMR studies revealed that the ligands and complexes were stable in mixtures of DMSO : D2O (9 : 1). Complementary UV-Vis studies confirmed that ZnII derivatives also exhibit high stability in mixtures DMSO : buffer (6 : 4) after 24 h. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the molecular structures of H2L1, H2L2, NiII-L1, and NiII-L2. At the molecular level, complexes were completely planar without significant distortions of the square-planar geometry according to τ4 parameter. Furthermore, the crystalline structures revealed non-classical intermolecular interactions of the C-H⋯O and the Ni⋯Ni type. The ligands and complexes were screened against the human osteosarcoma (MG-63), human colon cancer (HCT-116), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, and non-cancerous cells (L929). H2L1 and H2L2 ligands not caused cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 100 μM, while NiII-L2, ZnII-L1, and ZnII-L2 complexes induce cytotoxic effects in all cell lines. NiII-L2 was a more active complex against MG-63 (3.9 ± 1.5) and HCT-116 (3.4 ± 1.7) cell lines with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. In addition, this compound was 10-, 5-, and 11-fold more potent than cisplatin in MG-63 (39 ± 1.8), HCT-116 (17.2), and MDA-MB-231 (131 ± 18), respectively. Three complexes exhibited great selectivity for tumoral cells with SI values ranging from 1.6 to 7.4.

Coordination-Driven Salamo-Salen-Salamo-Type Multinuclear Transition Metal(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Luminescence, Transformation of Configuration, and Nuclearity Induced by the Acetylacetone Anion

A flexible polydentate Salamo-Salen-Salamo hybrid ligand H₄L was designed and synthesized, which has rich pockets (salamo and salen pockets) so that it may have fascinating coordination patterns with transition metal(II) ions. Four multinuclear transition metal(II) complexes, novel butterfly-shaped homotetranuclear [Ni₄(L)(μ₁-OAc)₂(μ_1,3-OAc)₂(H₂O)_0.5(CH₃CH₂OH)_3.5]·4CH₃CH₂OH (1), helical homotrinuclear [Zn₃(L)(μ₁-OAc)₂]·2CH₃CH₂OH (2), double-helical homotrinuclear [Cu₂(H₂L)₂]·2CH₃CN (3), and mononuclear [Ni(H₂L)]·1.5CH₃COCH₃ (4), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The effects of different anions [OAc^- and (O₂C₅H₇)^2-] on the complexation behavior of H₄L with transition metal(II) ions were studied by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The fluorescent properties of the four complexes were studied with zebrafish, which are expected to be a potential light-emitting material. Ultimately, interaction region indicator (IRI) valuations, Hirshfeld surface analyses, density functional theory (DFT & TD-DFT), electrostatic potential analyses (ESP), and simulations were carried out to further demonstrate the weak interactions and electronic properties of the free ligand and its four complexes.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Quantum Chemical Analysis, Electrochemical Behavior, and Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity of Co Complex with Pyridoxal-(S-Methyl)-isothiosemicarbazone Ligand

New complex Co(III) with ligand Pyridoxal-S-methyl-isothiosemicarbazone, (PLITSC) was synthesized. X-ray analysis showed the bis-ligand octahedral structure of the cobalt complex [Co(PLITSC-H)2]BrNO3·CH3OH (compound 1). The intermolecular interactions governing the crystal structure were described by the Hirsfeld surface analysis. The structure of compound 1 and the corresponding Zn complex (([Zn(PLTSC)(H2O)2]SO4·H2O)) were optimized at the B3LYP/6-31 + G (d,p)/LanL2DZ level of theory, and the applicability was assessed by comparison with the crystallographic structure. The natural bond orbital analysis was used for the discussion on the stability of formed compounds. The antibacterial activity of obtained complexes towards S. aureus and E. coli was determined, along with the effect of compound 1 on the formation of free radical species. Activity of compound 1 towards the removal of methylene blue was also investigated. The voltammograms of these compounds showed the reduction of metal ions, as well as the catalyzed reduction of CO2 in acidic media.

An Iron(III)-S-methylthiosemicarbazone Complex: Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Antioxidant Potency Measured by CUPRAC and DPPH Methods

An iron(III) complex, [Fe(L1)Cl].H2O, was synthesized by template condensation reaction of 1,1,1-Trifluoroacetylacetone-S-methylthiosemicarbazone hydrogen iodide (L) and 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in the presence of iron(III) ions. The complex was characterized by IR, ESI MS and X-ray diffraction techniques. Free radical scavenging (FRS) ability and antioxidant capacity of the S-methylthiosemicarbazone and the iron(III) complex were evaluated through DPPH and CUPRAC methods, respectively. The complex exerted better than the S-methylthiosemicarbazone in both TEAC and FRS% values. In addition, iron(III) complex was found to be 3.1 times more antioxidant than the reference ascorbic acid according to the CUPRAC method.

Supramolecular Arrangement and DFT analysis of Zinc(II) Schiff Bases: An Insight towards the Influence of Compartmental Ligands on Binding Interaction with Protein

We report, for the first time, a detailed crystallographic study of the supramolecular arrangement for a set of zinc(II) Schiff base complexes containing the ligand 2,6-bis((E)-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)imino)methyl)-4-R-phenol], where R=methyl/tert-butyl/chloro. The supramolecular study acts as a pre-screening tool for selecting the compartmental ligand R of the Schiff base for effective binding with a targeted protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). The most stable hexagonal arrangement of the complex [Zn-Me] (R=Me) stabilises the ligand with the highest FMO energy gap (ΔE=4.22 eV) and lowest number of conformations during binding with BSA. In contrast, formation of unstable 3D columnar vertebra for [Zn-Cl] (R=Cl) tend to activate the system with lowest FMO gap (3.75 eV) with highest spontaneity factor in molecular docking. Molecular docking analyses reported in terms of 2D LigPlot+ identified site A, a cleft of domains IB, IIIA and IIIB, as the most probable protein binding site of BSA. Arg144, Glu424, Ser428, Ile455 and Lys114 form the most probable interactions irrespective of the type of compartmental ligands R of the Schiff base whereas Arg185, Glu519, His145, Ile522 act as the differentiating residues with ΔG=-7.3 kcal mol-1 .

The Impact of Some Natural Phenolic Compounds on α-Glucosidase and Sorbitol Dehydrogenase Enzymes, and Anti-leukemia Cancer Potential, Spin Density Distributions, and in silico Studies

In this study, some phenolic compounds including 4-Hexylresorcinol, 5-Pentadecylresorcinol, 5-Tricosylresorcinol, Bilobol, and Urushiol were tested against α-glycosidase enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and sorbitol dehydrogenase enzymes from sheep liver. These compounds determined good inhibition properties against α-glycosidase and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymes. IC₅₀ values were record in the range of 1.45±0.20-24.532±3.83 μM for α-glycosidase and 6.20±0.96-108.22±18.02 μM for SDH. These inhibitor compounds can be selective drug candidates as anti-diabetic agents, because of they have inhibition properties against both enzymes. In this study, the anti-oxidant activities of the molecules were compared with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Comparison was made with the experimental enzymes by molecular modeling calculations. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with some phenolic compounds were assessed by molecularly targeted therapy (MTT) assay for cytotoxicity and anti-acute lymphoblastic leukemia potentials on Clone 15 HL-60, HL-60, HL-60/MX1, and HL-60/MX2 cell lines. The IC₅₀ of these compounds were µg/mL level against these cell lines.

Experimental and theoretical study of novel amino-functionalized P(V) coordination compounds suggested as inhibitor of MPro of SARS-COV-2 by molecular docking study

Amino-functionalized P(V) derivatives providing both N- and O-donor modes have attracted interest owing to their potential to form interesting coordination assemblies with applications such as biological drugs. Novel coordination modes of two- and four-dentate tris (pyridin-2-yl)phosphoric triamide OP[NH-2Py]3 as ([Co(II){[O][NH-2Py]P(O)[Ph]}2(DMF)2], 1) and ([Cu(II)Cl{[NH-2Py]2P(O)[N-2Py]}].DMF, 2) have been synthesized and structurally studied. The metal center environment is distorted octahedral for 1 and distorted square pyramidal for 2. The crystal structure of a new complex of Cu(II) with a Cu[N]4[Cl]2 environment ([Cu(II)Cl2(Pyrazole)4], 3) is also investigated. An evaluation of the inhibitory effect against the coronavirus (Main Protease [MPro] of SARS-CoV-2) was carried out by a molecular docking study and illustrates that these compounds have a good interaction tendency with CoV-2, where 1 has the best binding affinity with the biological target comparable with other SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Moreover, theoretical QTAIM and natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations are used to evaluate the metal-oxygen/-nitrogen bonds suggesting that they are mainly electrostatic in nature with a slight covalent contribution. A molecular packing analysis using Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis shows that N-H … O (in 1 and 2) and N-H … Cl (in 3) hydrogen bonds are the dominant interactions that contribute to the crystal packing cohesion. The semi-empirical PIXEL method indicates that the electrostatic and repulsion energy components in the structures of 1 and 2 and the dispersion and electrostatic components in that of 3 are the major contributors to the total lattice energy.