Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and DFT Analysis of Schiff Bases Derived from Benzalacetone and Benzalacetophenone with Alanine

This comprehensive study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and potential biological activities of novel Schiff bases derived from the condensation reactions of benzalacetone and benzalacetophenone with alanine. The compounds were synthesized via condensation reactions between the respective carbonyl compounds and alanine, yielding stable inline derivatives. The structures of the synthesized Schiff bases were confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The IR spectra revealed characteristic inline (C=N) stretching vibrations, indicating successful Schiff base formation. DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-31 lG(d.p) level to optimize the molecular geometries and to compute vibrational frequencies, which were found to be in good agreement with experimental data. Additionally, frontier molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) analysis was earned out to assess the electronic properties and chemical reactivity of the compounds. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the structural and electronic characteristics of amino acid-derived Schiff bases, highlighting their potential for applications in coordination chemistry and materials science.