DNA Binding and Antioxidant Activities of Novel Synthesized Fe(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes Derived from Monodentate V-Shaped Schiff Bases

A new series of six bioactive mononuclear transition metal complexes was prepared by reacting two V-shaped Schiff base ligands, namely, L1: 1-(4-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)phenyl)ethan-1-one and L2: 1-(4-((3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino)phenyl)ethan-1-one, with a stochiometric ratio of 1:1 metal to ligand. Analytical measurements and spectroscopic analyses were used to characterize the complexes. The calf thymus-DNA (CT-DNA) binding characteristics of the free ligands and their complexes have been examined by electronic absorption titration, ethidium bromide-DNA displacement experiments and viscosity measurements. The results support that the ligands and their complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative binding mode, and the affinity for DNA is more strongly in the case of complexes when compared with ligands. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant scavenging studies have shown that the complexes exhibited potential antioxidant properties.