Synthesis of N4 donor macrocyclic Schiff base ligands and their Ru (II), Pd (II), Pt (II) metal complexes for biological studies and catalytic oxidation of didanosine in pharmaceuticals

A series of tetraaza (N-4 donor) macrocyclic ligands (L-1-L-4) were derived from the condensation of ophthalaldehyde (OPA) with some substituted aromatic amines/azide. and subsequently used to synthesize the metal complexes of Ru(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II). The structures of macrocyclic ligands and their metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, H-1 & C-13 NMR, mass and electronic spectroscopy, thermal, magnetic and conductance measurements. Both the ligands and their complexes were screened for their antibacterial activities against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by MIC method. Besides, these macrocyclic complexes were investigated as catalysts in the oxidation of pharmaceutical drug didanosine. The oxidized products were further treated with sulphanilic acid to develop the colored products to determine by spectrophotometrically. The current oxidation method is an environmentally friendly, simple to set-up, requires short reaction time, produces high yields and does not require co-oxidant. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.