Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Zirconium (IV) Complexes

Heteroleptic complexes of zirconium (IV) derived from bulky Schiff base ligands containing a sulphur atom and oximes of heterocyclic ${\beta}$-diketones of the general formula ZrLL' (where $LH_2=RCNH(C_6H_4)SC:C(OH)N(C_6H_5)N:CCH_3$, $R=-C_6H_5$, $-C_6H_4Cl(p)$ and $L^{\prime}H_2=R^{\prime}C:(NOH)C:C(OH)N(C_6H_5)N:CCH_3$, $R^{\prime}=-CH_2CH_3$, $-C_6H_5$, $-C_6H_4Cl(p)$ were prepared by the reactions of zirconium tetrachloride with disodium salts of Schiff bases ($L\;Na_2$) and oximes of heterocyclic ${\beta}$-diketones ($L^{\prime}\;Na_2$) in 1:1:1 molar ratio in dry refluxing THF. The structures of these monomeric zirconium (IV) complexes were elucidated with the help of elemental analysis, molecular weight measurements, spectroscopic (IR, NMR and mass) studies. A distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry may be suggested for these heteroleptic zirconium (IV) complexes. The ligands (bulky Schiff base ligands containing a sulphur atom and oximes of heterocyclic ${\beta}$-diketones) and their heteroleptic complexes of zirconium (IV) were screened against A. flavus, P. aeruginesa and E. coli.