Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial studies on mixed ligand copper complexes with polydentate ligands

Mixed ligand Cu(II) complexes of the type [M(Q)(L)]-2H2O have been synthesized using 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ) as a primary ligand and N- and/or O-donor amino acids (HL) such as L-threonine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-isoleucine and L-serine as secondary ligands. The metal complexes have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, electrical conductance, room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, spectral and thermal studies. The electrical conductance studies of the complexes in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) in 10(-3) M concentration indicate their non-electrolytic nature. Room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed paramagnetic nature of the complexes. Electronic absorption spectra of the complexes show intra-ligand, charge transfer transitions and d-d transitions. The thermal analysis data of the complexes indicate the presence of crystallized water molecules. The agar cup method and tube dilution method have been used to study the antibacterial activity of the complexes against the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus, C. diphtheriae, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The results have been compared with those of tetracycline, which was screened simultaneously and indicated mild antibacterial activity of the complexes.