Synthesis and Spectral Studies of New Azomethine Metal Complexes With Biological Activity and Docking Studies Utilizing 3‐Methylpyridin‐2‐Amine as a Complexing Agent

ABSTRACT The novel Schiff base, (Z)‐2‐(1‐((3‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)imino)ethyl)phenol (HL), was synthesized by reacting 1‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethanone with 3‐methylpyridin‐2‐amine. Metal complexes [M (L)n (H 2 O) 2 ] (M = Co and Cu, n = 2) were synthesized and characterized utilizing various analytical techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, elemental analysis, molar conductance, 1 H NMR, thermal analysis, and magnetic moment measurement. The findings indicated that the Co +2 and Cu +2 complexes exhibited octahedral geometries. In vitro biological activity testing was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the complexes against Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria strains. Similarly, molecular docking was conducted to elucidate the interactions between the active sites of protein–metal complexes and dihydrofolate reductase as well as ferrochelatase .