Synthesis of Hg(II) Complexes with S‐(Thiophene‐2‐yl)2‐((2‐Hydroxyphenyl)amino) Ethanethiol for Antibacterial Studies

ABSTRACT This study focused on the unique synthesis and characterization of macromolecular complexes using thiophene‐2‐thiol as a core structure. The ligand S‐(thiophene‐2‐yl)‐2‐((2‐hydroxyphenyl)amino)ethanethiol (AZ2) was developed as a precursor for constructing macromolecular metal complexes. Specifically, two novel complexes, [Hg(AZ2)(dppf)]Cl 2 and [Hg(AZ2)(PPh 3 ) 2 ]Cl 2 , were synthesized through reactions involving mercuric chloride and phosphine‐based reagents. Comprehensive structural characterization of the macromolecular assemblies was performed using advanced physical and spectroscopic techniques, such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for 1 H, 13 C, and 31 P nuclei. The biological evaluation of these macromolecular complexes against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, including Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive), revealed significant antimicrobial activity. When compared to amoxicillin, the standard antibiotic control, the macromolecular complexes exhibited enhanced inhibitory potency, underscoring their potential as effective agents against resistant bacterial strains.