SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF 2,4-DICHLORO-6-[(4-HYDROXYPHENYLIMINO)-METHYL]-PHENOL (DCSAP-L) AND ITS FIRST TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES

The rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance underscores the need for the development of novel and more potent antimicrobial agents. This research investigates synthesis, characterization, as well as biological applications of a newly synthesized compound, 2,4-Dichloro-6-[(4-hydroxy-phenylimino)-methyl]-phenol (DCSAP-L), along with its corresponding metal complexes. DCSAP-L was synthesized by reacting 3,5-Dichlorosalicylaldehyde with paminophenol, resulting in the formation of an imine-based ligand. Additionally, ligands reacted with copper (II) and zinc (II) chloride salts to form metal coordination complexes. The chemical structures of both DCSAP-L as well as its metal complexes were thoroughly characterized through several analytical along physico-chemical techniques, including spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of these compounds was evaluated in vitro, revealing their significant biological potential. The findings suggest that both free ligand and their metal complexes exhibit notable antibacterial and antifungal activity, highlighting their promise as potential candidates for addressing the growing issue of microbial resistance.