Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Copper(II) Complexes of Schiff Base Ligand 2-[(3′-N-salicylidinephenyl)benzimidazole]

Abstract

CuX2·6H2O (X = Cl–, Br– or ClO4–) reacted with a Schiff base ligand 2-[(3′-N-salicylidinephenyl)benzimidazole] in 1:2 mole ratio in methanol to yield brown colored complexes of types [CuCl2L]2, [CuBr1.5L1.5]2Br and [Cu(OClO3)L2]2(ClO4)2·4H2O. The complexes were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic studies such as elemental analysis, conductivity and magnetic moment measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, IR, far-IR, electronic, ESR and mass spectral studies. IR spectral studies suggested the coordination of ligand to the central metal atom via tertiary nitrogen of benzimidazole and nitrogen of azomethine group. Based on these studies, binuclear structure was proposed for all the copper complexes. The ligand and its copper(II) complexes were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities.