Stimulated DNA binding by metalloinsertors having the 4-formyl-N,N-dimethylaniline Schiff base: Synthesis and characterization

Four new Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) metalloinsertors have been synthesized by using a Schiff base, formed by the condensation reaction of 4-formyl-N,N-dimethylaniline with o-phenylenediamine. They have been structurally characterized by IR, NMR, UV–vis, EPR, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity studies. The molar conductance data of the complexes indicate that they are non-electrolytes. The spectral and analytical data reveal that the complexes adopt square planar geometry. They have been examined for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against few pathogens. The data reveal that the complexes exhibit better biocidal activities against bacteria and fungi than the free Schiff base ligand. The interaction studies of these complexes with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT DNA) have also been performed by using spectral, cyclic voltammetry and viscometry techniques which collectively give evidences for intercalative binding of DNA with metal complexes. The gel electrophoresis experiment reveals that the complexes are good chemical nucleases.