Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity and molecular modeling studies of Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with phenylpyridylformamidine ligand

The Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with phenylpyridylformamidine (PhPyF) ligand, [Ni(PhPyF)Cl2] and [Zn(PhPyF)Cl2], have been prepared and investigated using different chemical techniques such as elemental analysis, molar conductance, FT-IR, Uv-Vis spectra and magnetic moment. The obtained chemical analysis data showed the formation of 1:1 (metal: ligand) ratio. The square planar and tetrahedral geometry for NiL and ZnL were respectively suggested on the basis of magnetic moment, spectral data and molecular modeling studies. The free ligand and its metal complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of bacteria (Gram-negative and Gram- positive) in order to assess their antibacterial activities.