Biological Importance of Some Functionalized Schiff Base-Metal Complexes

Schiff base ligands or compounds are useful in modern inorganic chemistry. Numerous transition metal-based catalysts have been synthesized with Schiff base scaffolds. The application of such Schiff bases is also found in biological studies. Herein, we have discussed the various synthetic procedures of diversified Schiff base compounds and their metal complexes. The biological activity of those complexes has also been delineated in this chapter with special emphasis. Various metal complexes [Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III)] with different Schiff base compounds displayed anti-fungal activity. Similarly, anti-viral activity was seen with Co(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes. Many Schiff base-metal complexes are found, which showed anti-cancer activity against various carcinoma cells like HpG2, MCF-7, A549, HCT116, Caco-2 and PC-3. Similarly, the transition metal complexes (generally 1st and 2 nd row) of Schiff bases also exhibited good anti-bacterial activity against various bacterial strains. The ionic-liquid-tagged Schiff bases have also been found to be good anti-microbial agents