Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of N-Salicylideneaniline and Its Cu2+, Co2+, Cr3+ and Zn2+ Complexes

The Schiff base ligand N-Salicylideneaniline(SALAN) was prepared by condensation reaction between Salicylaldehyde and Aniline in alcohol medium. N-Salicylideneanilineand its Cu(II), Co(II), Cr(III) and Zn(II) metal complexes were synthesized through condensation reaction achieved by microwave assisted technique. The physico-chemical properties were determined and both the Schiff base and its metal complexes were characterized by FTIR, UV, 1HNMR and tested for their microbial activity. FTIR results showed SALAN(1274.7, 1613.9)cm-1, SALAN/Cr(1293.4, 1610.2)cm-1, SALAN/Co(1293.7, 1613.9)cm-1, SALAN/Cu(1244.9, 1591)cm-1 and SALAN/Zn(1297.1, 1613.9)cm-1which revealed complexation arising from the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the azomethine group. The melting point measurement revealed that the Schiff base has the lowest melting point of 34 oC. Electrical conductivity measurement (µs/cm)are 92.7 (SAL/Cr), 105.8 (SAL/Co), 119.7 (SAL/Cu) and 245.5 (SAL/Zn). This indicates that the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the metal complexes have higher inhibiting potential against the test microbes as compared to the uncomplexed Schiff base.