Synthesis, characterization, equilibrium studies, and biological activity of complexes involving copper(II), 2-aminomethylthiophenyl-4-bromosalicylaldehyde Schiff base, and selected amino acids

<div><p>Ternary complexes of copper(II) with 2-aminomethylthiophenyl-4-bromosalicylaldehyde (ATS) and some amino acids have been isolated and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, magnetic moment, molar conductance, UV–vis, mass spectra, and ESR. The proposed general formulas of the prepared complexes are [Cu(ATS)(AA)]·nH₂O (where AA = glycine, alanine, and valine). The low molar conductance values suggest the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. IR spectra show that ATS is coordinated to copper in a bidentate manner through azomethine-N and phenolic-OH. The amino acids also are monobasic bidentate ligands via amino and ionized carboxylate groups. The magnetic and spectral data indicate the square-planar geometry of Cu(II) complexes. The geometry of the Cu(II) complexes has been fully optimized using parameterized PM3 semiempirical method. The Cu–N bond length is longer than that of Cu–O in the isolated complexes. Also, information is obtained from calculations of molecular parameters for all complexes including net dipole moment of the metal complexes, values of binding energy, and lipophilicity value (log <i>P</i>). The antimicrobial activity studies indicate significant inhibitory activity of complex <b>3</b> against the selected types of bacteria. The mixed ligand complexes have also been studied in solution state. Protonation constants of ATS and amino acids were determined by potentiometric titration in 50% (v/v) DMSO–water solution at ionic strength of 0.1 M NaCl. ATS has two protonation constants. The binary and ternary complexes of copper(II) involving ATS and some selected amino acids (glycine, alanine, and valine) were examined. Copper(II) forms [Cu(ATS)], [Cu(ATS)₂], [Cu(AA)], [Cu(AA)₂], and [Cu(ATS)(AA)] complexes. The ternary complexes are formed in a simultaneous mechanism.</p>