Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Schiff Base Complexes of Cu (II), Cd (II), Ni (II), and Co (II) Ions with N'-(4-Nitrobenzylidene) Isonicotinohydrazide

The Schiff base complexes of Cu (II), Cd (II), Ni (II), and Co (II) ions were synthesized utilizing Schiff base ligand. The Schiff base ligand was produced through the reaction of isoniazid with equimolar quantities of p-nitrobenzaldehyde yielding final product of N'-(4-nitrobenzylidene) isonicotinohydrazide (L). The ligand and its metal complexes were assessed by TLC, melting point determination, conductivity measurement, FTIR spectroscopy, magnetic moment analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra revealed that the Schiff base ligand established coordination bonds with the metal ion by utilizing the nitrogen (N) atom of the azomethine group and the oxygen (O) atom of the carbonyl group. All synthesized compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii, thereby confirming their biological activity. Ni(L)2 and Cd(L)2 complexes displayed greater cytotoxic or anticancer efficacy. In addition, the antibacterial efficacy of both ligand and its complexes was investigated against several harmful bacteria. In comparison with the ligand (L), the antibacterial activity of the complexes of Cu(L)2, Cd(L)2, and Ni(L)2 is higher, whereas that of Co(L)2 is lower.