Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with ferrocenyl Schiff bases containing a phenol moiety

Three ferrocenyl Schiff bases containing a phenol moiety have been formed by 1:1 molar condensation of acetylferrocene with 2‐aminophenol, 2‐amino‐5‐picoline or 2‐amino‐5‐chlorophenol. These ligands form 2:1 complexs with cobalt(II), copper(II), nickel(II), and zinc(II) ions. From the different spectral data, it was found that coordination of the ligands with the metal ions takes place via the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the deprotonated oxygen of the phenol groups. These ligands and their complexes have been characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, UV–Vis spectra, and elemental analysis. The spectral data of the ligands and their complexes are discussed in connection with the structural changes due to complexation. The complexes prepared showed good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilus , and Candida albicans .