Advanced synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and potent cytotoxicity of 2,6-Bis(2-aminophenylimino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol and its binuclear copper(II) complex

The imine base and Cu²⁺ precursors were combined using magnetic stirring to formulate the Cu²⁺ complexes. The formation of the imine base was confirmed by electronic and vibrational spectra, proton NMR, LC-mass spectrometry, and computational studies, which also optimized the final structure. The Cu²⁺ complexes were characterized using electronic and vibrational spectra, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, a variable temperature magnetometer, and ESR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry revealed electron transfer from Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ within the complex. The in vitro tumour activity of the Cu²⁺ complexes and imine base were evaluated on the A431 cell line using the MTT assay. DFT studies validated the structural stability of the imine base. The antiferromagnetic behaviour observed at low temperatures suggests that these Cu²⁺ complexes could be useful in heavy magnetic materials. Due to their electron transfer properties, Cu²⁺ complexes also hold potential for use in electroplating systems and sensors. The complexes exhibited high efficacy on the cell line, aligning with clinical objectives. The Cu²⁺ complexes are represented as [MLR], where M is the metal, L is the imine base, and R = [C₆H₅COO] or R = [C₆H₄COO(NH₂)].