Synthesis, Structural Determination, DFT Calculation and Biological Evaluation Supported by Molecular Docking Approach of Some New Complexes Incorporating (E)-N'-(3,5-di-Tert-Butyl-2-Hydroxybenzylidene) Isonicotino Hydrazide Ligand

Abstract

The synthesis and structural analysis of complexes derived from (E)-N′-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene) isonicotino hydrazide (ITB ligand) were examined using multiple analytical techniques. These techniques included TGA, decomposition point determination, elemental analysis (CHN), spectroscopic (IR, NMR, mass spectrometry) analysis, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, as well UV–Vis spectrum analysis, along with theoretical studies. Molar conductance values indicated that the Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), Ni (II), and Zn (II) complexes are non-electrolytes in fresh DMSO solutions, with conductance values ranging from 8.5 to 14.35 Ω⁻¹ cm² mol⁻¹. IR spectra suggested which the ligand coordinates through the metal ions in a tridentate fashion, utilizing the (N & O) donor sites from the (CN & CO & CO) groups in the hydroxybenzylidene moiety. Analytical data from solution complexation, job's method suggested a 1:1 (metal:ligand) molar ratio. The stability order of the complexes was determined as ITBCo > ITBCu > ITBNi > ITBZn > ITBCd, consistent with the stability constant (K_f) values. The pH profile indicated that the studied complexes exhibit stability upon a wide pH scale, typically between (pH = 4:10). Magnetic and electronic spectral analyses helped deduce the ligand coordination abilities and the geometric structures of the complexes. In vitro (antimicrobial & anticancer) performances of the studied complexes were tested versus various (microbial strains & cancer cell lines), revealing higher activity in the chelates assessed to the free (ITB) ligand. The antioxidant potential was also assessed using the DPPH assay. Finally, molecular docking was performed toward estimate the binding efficiency between various protein receptors and the compounds, with results aligning with the biological investigations.