Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Studies of Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes of (2E)-2-(2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzylidene)-4N-Substituted Hydrazinecarbothioamides

Four novel binuclear copper(II) complexes [1–4] of (2E)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-4N-substituted hydrazinecarbothioamides, (OH)(OCH3)C6H4CH=NNHC(S)NHR, where R = H (L1), Me (L2), Et (L3), or Ph (L4), have been synthesized and characterized. The FT-IR spectral data suggested the attachment of copper(II) ion to ligand moiety through the azomethine nitrogen, thioketonic sulphur, and phenolic-O. The spectroscopic characterization indicates the dissociation of dimeric complex into mononuclear [Cu(L)Cl] units in polar solvents like DMSO, where L is monoanionic thiosemicarbazone. The DNA binding properties of the complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA were studied by spectroscopic titration. The complexes show binding affinity to CT DNA with binding constant ( ) values in the order of 106 M−1. The ligands and their metal complexes were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities by agar disc diffusion method. Except for complex 4, all complexes showed considerable activity almost equal to the activity of ciprofloxacin. These complexes did not show any effect on Gram-negative bacteria, whereas they showed moderate activity for Gram-positive strains.