Synthesis, structural characterization, catalytic, thermal and electrochemical investigations of bidentate Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes

In this study, we prepared the Schiff base ligand (L) and its Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The compounds were characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. The ligand (L) behaves as a bidentate ligand and coordinates to the metal ions via the nitrogen atoms. The complexes have the mononuclear structures. The analytical and spectroscopic results indicated that the chloride ions coordinate to the metal ions. The complexes have the general formulae [M(L)(Cl)₂] (M: Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) metal ions). Electrochemical properties were investigated as ligand and metal centres in the different solvents and at the scan rates, respectively. The thermal properties of the metal complexes were studied in the N₂ atmosphere. We investigated the improved catalytic activity of the Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes on the cyclohexane as a substrate. Obtained data showed that the best catalyst is the Cu(II) complex. The single crystal of the ligand (L) was obtained from CH₃CN solution. There is a C-H...N H-bond linking the molecules into chains (C6)...N(2) 3.4415(18) Å under symmetry operation (x + 1,y,z) as well as π-π stacking on the outside of the "V" shape - nothing on the inside.