Microwave-assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Study of Metal (Ii) Complex Derived From 2-aminophenol and P- Chlorobenzaldehyde Schiff Base

The growing resistance of microorganisms to existing antibiotics has increased the need for new and more effective antimicrobial agents. In this study, Schiff base ligand was synthesized from 2-aminophenol and p -chlorobenzaldehyde, and its cobalt(II) and lead(II) complexes. The compounds were characterized using melting point determination, solubility tests, UV–visible, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and magnetic susceptibility measurements.The FTIR spectrum of the ligand showed a characteristic band at 1625cm⁻¹ due to the formation of azomethine (C = N) group, confirming Schiff base formation. In the metal(II) complexes, this band shifted to lower frequencies,1580 cm ^− 1 indicating coordination of the azomethine nitrogen to the metal ions. The O–H stretching band at 3406 cm ^− 1 upon complexation, suggesting involvement of the phenolic oxygen atom. UV–visible and magnetic data supported an octahedral geometry around the metal centers, while elemental analysis confirmed the expected molecular compositions of the prepared Schiff base ligand. Antimicrobial studies showed that the metal complexes displayed higher inhibitory activity against the tested bacterial strains compared with the free ligand. This enhancement suggests that coordination with metal ions increases the biological effectiveness of the Schiff base. Overall, the results confirm successful synthesis and characterization of the Schiff base ligand and its cobalt(II) and lead(II) complexes, demonstrating their potential as promising antimicrobial agents.