Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Schiff Base Metal Complexes With Furan Moiety

ABSTRACT Herein, Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) complexes with furan‐derived Schiff base ligand, ( E )‐ N 1 , N 1 ‐diethyl‐ N 2 ‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylene)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (DEF) , were synthesized. The synthesized ligand and M(II) (M = Cu, Zn, and Cd) complexes were characterized to confirm their purity and successful synthesis using 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal analysis demonstrated their stability, whereas UV‐Vis spectroscopy and molar conductance studies provided insights into their electronic properties and coordination behavior. Additionally, X‐ray diffraction studies indicated that the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes have distorted tetrahedral geometries, whereas the Cu(II) complex adopted distorted square planar geometry. The studied complexes showed remarkable free‐radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, they exhibited good inhibitory activity against urease and α ‐amylose. In particular, [Cu(DEF)Cl 2 ] showed the best antioxidant activity, with an IC 50 of 3.21 ± 0.19 μM, and the highest α ‐amylose inhibitory activities, with an IC 50 of 6.11 ± 0.33 μM. Moreover, [Cd(DEF)Br 2 ] proved to be more potent against Jack bean and Bacillus pasteurii ureases, with IC 50 values of 3.90 ± 0.11 μM and 6.01 ± 0.10 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies showed a good correlation between the biological activities of the synthesized [M(DEF)X 2 ] complexes. Thus, the proposed compounds can serve as promising candidates for the treatment of infectious diseases.