Heterocyclic ligated Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes for efficient photocatalytic and biological applications

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization techniques of mononuclear, heterocyclic ligated Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. These heterocyclic derivatives, Schiff base (indal-2-abu), are obtained from the reaction between indole-3-carboxaldehyde (indal) and 2-aminobutyric acid (2-abu). From the fundamental analysis, it has been found that the Schiff base with the aforementioned metal ions forms four coordinated mononuclear complexes on 1:2 (metal:ligand) stoichiometry. The structural changes of the complexes are analyzed by FT-IR, electronic and magnetic analysis. The photocatalytic dye degradation activity study of the compounds is performed under UV-light using methylene blue (MB) dye. All the complexes are found to be excellent catalysts for the degradation of MB. Molecular docking is used to recognize the energetic site of the receptor, and attain the finest geometry of the ligand-receptor complex. Furthermore, antimicrobial investigations of Schiff base and its complexes are tested and the results are discussed in detail.