Journal of Chemistry
Volume 2019 (2019), Article ID 3241061, 18 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3241061

Research Article

Transition Metal Complexes of Mixed Bioligands: Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Modeling, and Applications

Mohamed S. A. Abdel-Mottaleb¹ and Eman H. Ismail²

¹Nano-Photochemistry Solarchemistry and Computational Chemistry Labs, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
²Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry Labs, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt

Correspondence should be addressed to Mohamed S. A. Abdel-Mottaleb; phochem08@photoenergy.org

Received 3 April 2019; Accepted 28 April 2019; Published 23 May 2019

Academic Editor: Hassan Arida

Copyright © 2019 Mohamed S. A. Abdel-Mottaleb and Eman H. Ismail. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Divalent transition metal complexes [MGlu-Arg (H₂O)]H₂O and [MGlu-Arg (H₂O)]H₂O, where M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, Glu = glutamic acid, and Arg = L-arginine, are prepared and characterized using different techniques. DFT and TD-DFT modelling validated and interpreted some experimental results. Weight loss technique reveals efficient corrosion inhibition action of these complexes towards aluminum metal at different temperatures. Our results point to corrosion inhibition through chemical adsorption on the aluminum surface. Additionally, a facile calcination of Co and Cu complexes at 550°C yields nanosized oxides of Co₃O₄, CoO, and CuO crystalline phases. The complexes show remarkable biological activities towards pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Moreover, in vitro anticancer activity evaluation of these complexes is achieved against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2). The results are correlated with molecular descriptors such as chemical potential and hardness obtained from the frontier orbitals.

1. Introduction

The chemistry of amino acid coordination compounds has always been an intriguing challenge to the inorganic chemists. This class of molecules have been found throughout the life science and vary tremendously in their function and complexity. These compounds play an essential part of metabolism and cellular signaling and as a part of drugs and as hydrogen storage media [1].

Many transition metals with mixed amino acid complexes revealed their biological activity, which place them in several biochemical processes [2–5]. The ternary complex models provide information about how biological systems achieve their specificity and stability, as well as strategies, to improve these features for biotechnological applications [6].

Glutamic acid (Glu) (2-Aminoglutamic) is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids, which is considered to be one of the building blocks in protein synthesis [7–9]. It is of interest for brain/memory and biochemistry and as anticancer drug by reducing its toxicity against normal cells [10]. Glutamic acid has three potential coordination sites: the amino nitrogen and two carboxylic groups, and the electronegativity of the N and O atoms as well as the flexible skeleton of the glutamic facilitate its coordination behavior as bidentate or tridentate ligand [11].

Arginine is an essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. L-arginine appears as a zwitter ion with a protonated guanidine group in aqueous solutions, a spontaneous process resulting in a thermodynamically durable form in both solutions and crystals. The presence of a guanidine group in L-arginine enhanced the interesting behavior of antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi [12]. The coordination mood for a copper complex with amino acids like L-arginine and glutamic acid is bound by an amino nitrogen and a carboxyl oxygen [13].

We focus here on the preparation and characterization of this class of mixed amino acid complexes of four divalent transition metal ions of Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn.

Modelling using DFT theory and TD-DFT will be investigated in an attempt to validate and characterize structural and electronic properties of M(II) Glu-Arg complexes in aqueous solution. This will shed light on the nature of M-L interaction. Such knowledge is likely to provide some help in the rational design of new complexes of biological importance. Additionally, cytotoxicity will be evaluated. Investigation of the biological activities include g-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) pathogenic bacteria and g-positive (Streptococcus p. and Bacillis sub.) pathogenic bacteria.

It is known that amino acids act as an eco-friendly inhibitor for several metals as copper, aluminum, steel, and nickel. L-arginine and its zinc complex are used as nontoxic and low-cost corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel [14–16]. Thus, we will undertake corrosion inhibition abilities studies of the complexes prepared towards aluminum because they are widely exploited in automobile, aerospace, and household industries.

Additionally, the metal complexes could be considered as a precursor for thermal preparation of nanosized metal oxides. Thus, we will investigate calcinating the complexes under investigations to check the possibility of obtaining metal nano-oxides in a facile way for possible application as photocatalysts.

2. Experimental

2.1. Materials and Preparation of the Complexes

All chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Glutamic acid (CAS Number: 56-86-0) and L-arginine (CAS Number: 74-79-3) ligands, as well as metal carbonates CoCO₃·3Co(OH)₂ (CAS Number: 12602-23-2), NiCO₃·2Ni(OH)₂·4H₂O (CAS Number: 12607-70-4), CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂·H₂O (CAS Number: 12069-69-1), and 2ZnCO₃·3Zn(OH)₂(CAS Number: 5263-02-5), were used without further purifications.

[M(II)(Glu)(Arg)] complexes were synthesized following the method used in [16]. Refluxing equal-molar amounts of M(II)carbonate (1 mmol, powder) and water-soluble glutamic acid (1 mmol), L-arginine (1 mmol) in ∼100 ml bidistilled water at about 80–363 K for 2–3 days gives dense precipitate upon scratching. The obtained dense precipitate was filtrated and washed with absolute ethanol. Crystallization of the new ternary complexes was achieved in absolute ethanol/bidistilled water mixed solvent. Unfortunately, no single crystals could be obtained.

2.2. Instrumentation

The contents of C, H, and N were determined by Vario El Elementar, while metal percentages were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (PerkinElmer AAs 3100) FTIR spectra of the ligands, and the complexes in KBr discs were recorded on a Jasco FTIR-300E Spectrometer (400–4000 cm⁻¹ range), microanalytical laboratory, in the central laboratory of Ain Shams University.

Mass spectra were recorded at 350C° and 70 eV on Shimadzu GC/MS-QP5050A spectrometer, and ESR spectrum of the Cu complex was recorded at room temperature using a Bruker ESR-spectrometer model EMX at 9.706 GHz (X-band) using 2,2-diphenylpyridylhydrazone (DPPH) as standard ( = 2.0037).

Conductivity measurements of 10⁻³ M aqueous solutions (de-ionized water) at 25°C were carried out using WTW D-812 Weilheim conductivity meter, model LBR, fitted with a cell model LTA 100.

2.3. Thermogravimetric Analysis

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of metal complexes was carried out starting from room temperature ∼303 K to 1273 K under nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate 283 K·min⁻¹ using TA instrument, model SDT600. Mass spec., ESR, and TGA analysis were done in National Research Center lab, Cairo. The UV-Vis spectra were recorded in aqueous solutions (10⁻² M) at room temperature with typical ranges from 800 to 190 nm on Cary 100 which is done in the microanalytical laboratory, in the central laboratory of Ain Shams University.

2.4. Nanosized Metal Oxide Preparation

The metal complexes were calcined at 550°C for 6 h, and the metal oxides obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. XRD analysis showed that the obtained oxides are crystalline and corresponded to the Co₃O₄, CoO, and CuO phases. Crystal size and shape were determined by SEM.

2.5. Magnetic Susceptibilities

Magnetic susceptibilities were measured at room temperature by the Gouy method using a magnetic susceptibility balance Johnson Matthey, Alfa products, model MKI. Diamagnetic corrections were calculated from PASCAL’s constants. Mercury tetrakis-thiocyanatocobaltate was used as a standard. The analysis was carried out in microanalytical laboratory, Cairo University.

2.6. Corrosion Inhibition Materials and Methods

A pure aluminum foil sheet (Al) of 98.92% purity which is press-cut to form specimens with dimensions of 1  cm × 1 cm × 0.15 cm was used.

One liter of 1 M HCl solution was prepared using deionized water. Al samples were immersed for 7 hours in 20 ml of 1M HCl used as corrosive solution. An electronic weighing balance (Easyway-JA 1003A), micrometer heating mantle, and a water bath were used. Various concentrations (10⁻²–10⁻⁵ M) of mixed ligands (glutamic acid + arginine by the ratio 1 : 1) and their ternary metal complexes were prepared and dissolved in 1 M HCl and examined as inhibitors for Al corrosion by weight loss method. The mixed ratio (1 : 1) of these two ligands was the same ratio as that used in preparation of the four metal complexes. Before each run, the surface of Al was polished with different grades of emery papers, degreased with ethyl alcohol, washed thoroughly with double distilled water, dried in air and finally weighed. Then these specimens were immersed in 20 ml inhibited and uninhibited 1 M HCl solution in open containers for 7 h for aluminum specimens as immersion time then, they were withdrawn from the test solution, washed with deionized water and acetone, dried, and reweighed. The container was placed in a water bath maintained at (303 ± 1) K. The experiments were operated without (blank) and with the various concentrations of the mixed ligands and the complexes separately. The weight loss was taken as the difference in weight of the specimen before and after the immersion time. The experiments were carried out in water bath with temperature range 293–313 ± 1 K.

2.7. Biological Activity

The antimicrobial activity of the prepared ternary metal complexes against two gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillis subtilis), two gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), and four fungi (Aspergillus fumigates, Syncephalastrum racemosum, Geotricum candidum, Candida albicans) were investigated by a Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology (RCMB), Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

2.8. Cytotoxicity

Cytotoxicity evaluation using viability assays was performed by a Regional Center for Mycology & Biotechnology (RCMB), Al-Azhar University Cairo. The inhibitory activity of ternary metal complexes is screened against the cell line hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2).

2.9. Computational Methods

Density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent extension (TD-DFT) theory, employing BP86D3/DEF2-SVP model, and auxiliary basis DEF2/JK were carried out using Orca 4.0.1.2 package [17]. Our calculation utilizes the atom-pairwise dispersion correction with the Becke–Johnson damping scheme (D3BJ) [18, 19]. RI approximation [20] was used. Overlap-fitted RIJCOSX approximation was also utilized as a speed-up option leading to enhanced speedups [21, 22] with almost no loss of accuracy [23]. First, we ran a geometry optimization and frequency job using BP86D3/DEF2-SVP) and auxiliary basis def2/J [18, 19]. All frequency modes are real indicating that the equilibrium geometry is reached. We used the same model for EPR simulations of the doublet state. In the case of UV-Vis computations, we utilized different models including CAM-B3LYP functional without returning a satisfactory result matching the experimental results. The most successful one that produced result in excellent agreement with the experiment was BP86D3/DEF2-SVP [18–20] and utilizing def2/J auxiliary basis. We utilized SMD solvation model [24]. Spartan 16 parallel package (https://www.wavefun.com/) has been used to obtain the potential energy surfaces (PESs) at the ωB97X-D/6-31G(D) level of the DFT.

A Broadberry workstation (40 cores) (UK) and a Mac Pro (12 core) workstation were used.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Structure and Spectroscopic Properties

Elemental analyses (C, H, N, and metal) and physical and chemical properties of the prepared ternary complexes are given in Table 1, where (1), [Co·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)2]·0.5H₂O; (2), [Ni·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O; (3), [Cu·Glu·Arg]·H₂O; and (4), [Zn·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)2]·H₂O.

Table 1: Some experimentally observed and determined characteristics of the prepared complexes (found values between parentheses).

Complex
C (%)
H (%)
N (%)
Metal (%)
Color
Magnetic moment (Debye)
Decomp temp. (°C)
pH
Conductivity (mS)
Mol. (wt.)

(1)
31.0 (31.9)
5.9 (5.2)
16.5 (15.9)
13.9 (14.0)
Pink
4.13
290
5.6
3.480
425.3

(2)
31.1 (32.1)
5.4 (4.9)
16.5 (15.9)
13.8 (14.2)
Green
3.10
290
5.1
3.700
425.0

(3)
32.8 (32.1)
5.7 (6.2)
17.4 (17.8)
15.8 (16.4)
Blue
1.78
238
4.9
4.607
402.9

(4)
29.9 (30.4)
5.2 (4.8)
15.9 (15.3)
14.8 (15.1)
White
Diam.
330
5.3
3.557
440.7

(1) = [Co·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O; (2) = [Ni·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O; (3) = [Cu·Glu·Arg]·H₂O; (4) = [Zn·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂]·H₂O.

The thermal decomposition of these complexes in the range (511–603 K) indicates thermal stability. The effervescence test with sodium carbonate confirmed that all the prepared complexes are containing free acidic proton. The magnetic moments, molecular weight (Mol. wt.), and molar conductivity values are given in Table 1. The pH values indicate slightly acidic character. The obtained experimental and theoretical data confirm the suggested structures shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: The optimized structure of Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes (dotted lines represent H bonding) indicating the coordination sites of the ligands, which result in the most stable orientation. Ni and Zn complexes have geometries similar to Co complexes.

Figure 2: Optimized geometry around the central transition metal ions showing different bond lengths and angle.

The paucity of information about mixed amino acids (glutamic acid and arginine) metal complexes motivated us to investigate their molecular structures using DFT theory to characterize structural and electronic properties considering Co(II) and Cu(II) Glu-Arg complexes in aqueous solution as representative of all complexes. Optimized geometries are depicted in Figure 1. Such knowledge is likely to provide some help in the rational design of new complexes for their biological importance.

In this pH range, glutamic acid and L-arginine are predominantly present in their zwitter ion form, and each has two coordination sites (one N and one COO⁻), which are agreed with their distribution coefficients [24]. The analysis and optimized geometry computations suggested that Ni, the important vibrational frequencies of arginine, glutamic acid and their ternary metal complexes bands, (II) and Zn(II) complexes are of distorted octahedral structure similar to Co(II) complexes. Based on 10Dq values of these ternary complexes, the distorted octahedral structure is suggested for nickel, cobalt, and zinc complexes and square planar for copper complex. Moderate conductivity measured confirms the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Also, magnetic moments of the synthesized complexes have been measured in order to confirm their structures. The data are presented in Table 1.

3.1.1. IR Spectra

The important vibrational wavenumbers of arginine, glutamic, and their ternary metal complexes bands are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Arginine showed bands at 1698 and 1409 cm⁻¹ assigned for asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the carboxylate moiety. It also showed medium broadband at 3086 cm⁻¹ which attributed to the amino NH₂ group. The IR spectra of the complexes did not show any free carboxylic beaks due to strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Also, IR spectra of the four complexes exhibit crowded region between 3500 and 3000 cm–1, where H₂O, –OH, and –NH stretching modes are expected to absorb. The broadband in the range 3300–3400 cm–1 could be attributed to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding (O…H–O, O…H–N, O–H…N). An example of the IR spectrum is given in Figure 1S. Similarly, glutamic acid IR spectra (Figure 3S) showed two bands at 1641, 1418, and 3062 cm⁻¹ as reported before [25, 26].

Table 2: Experimentally and theoretically simulated IR spectra (in cm⁻¹) of the studied complexes. Assignment of experimentally measured IR key modes.

Ligands and complexes
υ (OH)
υ (NH)
υ (CN)
υ (COOasy)
υ (COOsy)
υ (M-O)
υ (M-N)

Glutamic
—
3062
1242
1634(vs)
1418(s)
—
—

Arginine
—
3087
1175
1680(vs)
1574(s)
—
—

1586

1608

[Co(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O
3345(s)
3172
1131
1663(s)
1421(vs)
538
416

1584

1609

[Ni(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O
3340(s,br)
3184
1122
1658(s)
1426(vs)
540
421

1586

1607

[Cu(glu)((arg)]·H₂O
3453(s)
3141
1126
1676(s)
1456(m)
572
456

1588

1604

[Zn(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O
3427(s)
3144
1127
1671(s)
1425(s)
538
412

1582

1606

Table 3: Experimentally and theoretically simulated IR spectra (in cm⁻¹) of the studied complexes. Assignment of theoretically calculated IR key modes for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes in the gas phase. Excellent match between experimentally determined and theoretically computed IR modes in case of Ni and Zn complexes is obtained.

Complex
υ (OH)
υ (COO)
υ (M-O)
υ (M-N)

[Co(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O
2513 (H-bonded H₂O and O of COO of Gu)
1684.8 (Ar)
554.3
463.6

3521
1740 (Gu)

[Cu(glu)((arg)]H₂O
3656 (caged H₂O)
1677.8 (Gu)
537.6
438.5

—
1709.9 (Ar)

Upon complexation, the NH stretching wavenumber is shifted to 3141–3184 cm⁻¹, indicating that the amino nitrogen groups are coordinated to the metal atom [27].

The C-NH₂ stretching bands of the guanidyl group of alpha amino group have shifted from 1242 to 1175 cm⁻¹ of glutamic acid and L-arginine with respect into (1122–1131) cm⁻¹ of the prepared metal complexes. In opposite situation, arginine has been shown to have two bands observed at 1586 and 1608 cm⁻¹ due to the asymmetrical vibrations of the C-NH₂ bonds of the guanidino group, which is protonated to give the guanidinium form without a significant change in case of complexation [28].

The asymmetrical (υCOOasy) and symmetrical (υCOOsy) carboxylic groups are shifted in the prepared complexes to higher or lower values than their values in ligands case as shown in Tables 2 and 3, and also the difference between these bands are more than 200 cm⁻¹ in all the prepared metal complexes which indicated that the deprotonated carboxylic groups in both ligands act as mono dentate groups.

All the prepared complexes exhibited bands in the range of 3340–3472 cm⁻¹ of υ(OH) signifying that H₂O molecules exist in these complexes [29, 30].

The new confirmed bands only appear in the four prepared complexes at 538–572 cm⁻¹ and 412–456 cm⁻¹, which are assigned to υ(M-O) and υ(M-N) stretching bands, respectively [31].

The optimized geometry of the complexes shows distorted overall octahedral (or better the square pyramidal C4v-local symmetry of Co(II) ion) for the Co(II) complex and the slightly distorted square planar coordination of the Cu(II) ion in the Cu(II) complex. Ni and Zn complexes are of similar geometry to the Co complexes. Figure 3 shows that the local symmetry of both centrosymmetric cations is noticeably distorted with different M(II)-O and M(II)-N bond lengths and bond angles indicated in Figure 2.

(a)

(b)

Figure 3: PES maps. (a) Co complex (upper pan: solid surfaces and lower pan: clipped surfaces) and legend color codes given in kJ/mol. (b) Cu complex (upper pan: solid surfaces and lower pan: clipped surfaces).

The simulated PES maps [32], which shed light on the binding sites of the complexes, are depicted in Figure 3. Inspection of Figure 3 shows that Co(II) complex exhibits larger positive potentials (299 kJ/mol) than Cu(II) complex, which bears enhanced negative potential than that on Co(II) complex (the difference between negative and positive potential energy limits, (Delta) PES = 24, and −9 kJ/mol for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, respectively). Thus, Cu(II) complex could act as nucleophile, whereas Co(II) complex is of enhanced electrophilic nature during interactions.

3.1.2. Mass Spectra

The mass spectra of the four complexes were recorded and provided good evidence and confirmation of the molecular weight of these complexes (molecular ion peaks (MIPs) are detected under severe experimental conditions [16], which results in of splitting of crystalline water) (Figure 2S shows the mass spectrum of Zn(II) complex as example).

3.1.3. UV-Vis Absorption Spectra

Figure 4 shows the theoretical and experimental UV-Vis spectra of Co(II) and Cu(II) as examples. The results confirm that 1, 2, and 4 complexes have almost tetragonal distorted octahedral structure (C4v-local symmetry) with different distortion degrees, which is obvious from the wavenumber and 10Dq values of the complexes compared to their literature values [33]. Cu complex exhibits slightly distorted square planar shape. Table 4 shows electronic spectral data and ligand field parameters such as Dq, B (free ion), B (complex), and β using band-fitting equation [34, 35].

(a)

(b)

Figure 4: Theoretical and experimental (inset) UV-Vis spectra of aqueous Co and Cu complexes reflecting the excellent agreement between the results.

Table 4: Electronic spectral data, λmax bands, corresponding frequencies, and assignments of all ternary metal complexes.

Complex
B (free ion)
Dq (cm⁻¹)
λmax (nm)
Wavenumber (cm⁻¹)
Assignments
B (complex)
β
Geometry

(1)
970
1007
376
ν₃ = 26596

764
0.788
Tetragonal distortion pseudosquare pyramidal (distorted octahedral)

512
ν₂ = 19531

(2)
1080
894
390
ν₃ = 25641
³A₂(F) ⟶³T₁(P)
765.23
0.709
Tetragonal distortion pseudosquare pyramidal (distorted octahedral)

632
ν₂ = 15822
³A₂(F) ⟶ ³T₂(F)

740
ν₁ = 13586
³A₂(F) ⟶ ³T₁(F)

(3)
—
1107
506
ν₂ = 19763

1007
—
Tetragonal distorted (square planar)

636
ν₁ = 15723
(dx2−y2 ⟶ dz2)

(dx2−y2 ⟶ dxz)

(4)
—
—
221
ν₁ = 45249
Charge transfer
—
—
Tetragonal distortion pseudosquare pyramidal (distorted octahedral)

The value of Racah parameter B (free ion) is larger than that of B (complex) due to the covalence bonding of the complex. The value of β (nephelauxetic ratio) < 1 is calculated according to equation (1). β < 1, validating octahedral geometry [34, 35].

Spectral data and assignments are summarized in Table 4.

10Dq for the nickel complex was determined by two procedures [34].

The first one is by solving equations (2) and (3) using the energy terms of the different triplet states transitions supplied for Ni(II) [34] as shown in Table 4:

For Ni²⁺, B = 1080 cm⁻¹; thus,

Then, applying the trial and error procedure, a value for ∆ that fits in equations (2) and (3) was found to be 10935 cm⁻¹, which suggested the octahedral structure. The second method for calculating 10Dq used Tanabe and Sugano diagrams for the different metal ion complexes. From Ni(II) diagram, we could be able to deduce the expected positions of the and the transitions. This method corresponds to a pure crystal field approach and assumes that the value of the free ion Racah parameter (B) is maintained in the complex.

Applying this procedure and considering the ratio of ν₁/ν₂ = 15822/25641 = 0.62, the best vertical line, which fulfils this ratio cuts the ∆/B axis at a value of 13.9 and Bcomplex, is calculated by equation (4). We found the value 765.273 cm⁻¹.

Then, 10Dq = 10637.253 cm⁻¹ is compared to the value of 10935 cm⁻¹ obtained by the first method and both values confirm octahedral structure [34]. The magnetic moment of the nickel complex was 3.1 which also confirmed octahedral structure [16].

Racah parameters for Co(II) complex is also calculated similarly.

Furthermore, Co(II) complexes have the effective magnetic moment μeff = 4.13. This value is higher than spin only moment for three unpaired electrons 3.89 due to a considerable orbital contribution [34, 36].

The Zn complex did not show any d-d transitions but displayed charge transfer bands as shown in Table 4. The existence of charge transfer was due to transition between two different principle quantum numbers from three to four as distorted tetrahedron being completed by two water molecules and forms zinc octahedral complex [34–37].

The longest wavelength weak peaks are observed at 516 nm (ε · M = 20.6 L·mol⁻¹·cm⁻¹) and 636 nm (ε · M = 17.9 L·mol⁻¹· cm⁻¹) for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, respectively. The use of TD-DFT at BP86, DEF2-SVP, and auxiliary basis DEF2/JK level in water (using SMD solvation model) [24] results in λmax Co = 529.1 nm (oscillator strength, f = 0.003) and λmax Cu = 648.6 nm (f = 0.0256), which are in excellent agreement with the experimental results.

The computed natural transition orbitals of the longest wavelength transitions in both complexes reveal the largest (greater than 82%) contribution of beta HOMO-LUMO with minor (about 10.8%) contribution of alpha HOMO-LUMO in case of Co(II) complex and about 99.2% contribution from the beta-HOMO-LUMO in case of Cu(II) complex. MOs involved in the electronic transitions are depicted in Figure 5, which illustrate clear dxz or dyz (e) ⟶ dz² (a₁) transition in the local square pyramidal (C4v) of Co(II) ion in the Co(II) complex. Metal transition is dominant in case of local square planar symmetry of the Cu(II) complex. This is approved by low molar absorptivity experimentally observed in the UV-Vis spectra of both complexes and supported by low value of the computed oscillator strengths of the forbidden d-d transitions, which acquire some allowness due to geometry distortion of both complexes.

(a)

(b)

Figure 5: Frontier MOs of (a) Co(II) complex and (b) Cu(II) complex involved in the longest wavelength electronic transition. Surfaces similar to that of Co complex are obtained in case of Ni. There are no d-d transitions in Zn complexes.

3.1.4. ESR Spectra

For elucidation of the geometry of the copper ternary complex, ESR measurement gives very useful information about the stereo chemistry bonding between copper and ligands. Figure 1S shows the ESR spectrum of the copper complex with a comparative advantage and axial symmetry ( || (parallel) = 2.10748; ┴ (perpendicular) = 2.01232 (=2.04984). These values confirm square planar coordination in which || > ┴ > 2, so the unpaired electron found in the dx² − y² orbital and the ground state is ²B1g [38]. The observed and calculated values are different from  = 2.0023 due to spin-orbit coupling. The computed components are not equal reflecting anisotropic effect, and the value of changes as a function of the orientation of the molecule relative to the external magnetic field. This value is close to the spin only value, and it is in a fair agreement with the computed electron spin only value of (computed) = 2.0498 [38]. Co(II) complex is characterized by  = 2.1280. The simulated EPR spectrum of Co(II) complex returns value of 2.1085.

Different values of Mulliken spin density are shown in Figure 4S in such metal-chelates point to purely anisotropic couplings. The unpaired electron is totally localized on Co(II) ion. In case of Cu(II)-complex, electron spin population is more distributed, with about 46% on the Cu(II) ion. This may result in the simulated significant HF coupling in the case of chelating atoms around Cu(II) ion. The data point to mixed copper-nitrogen and copper-oxygen bonds in agreement with the computed optimized geometry [38].

3.2. Thermal Analysis

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the all prepared ternary metal complexes was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere. The thermal decomposition of the four complexes displayed similar patterns as their ligands.

It is well known that amino acids exist only in solid state, so their thermal decomposition has been endothermal between −72 and −151 kJ/mol when heating in range between 185°C and 280°C. Their thermal decomposition releases three gases, mainly H₂O, less NH₃, and hardly any CO₂. TGA gives the weight of these gases as weight loss calculations, which evolve in appreciable amount [39].

Also, the thermal decomposition of L-arginine-doped KDP potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal started to lose weight with temperature from 341 K to 393 K, released ammonia and water molecules gases [40].

The amino acids are totally broken within the range 603–793K as shown in Figure 6 and Table 5. The first steps are weight loss of the three gases H₂O, NH₃, and CO₂ within temperature range about ∼423–623 K. The hydrocarbons matter loses weight in the temperature range ∼350–520°C. The residues for these complexes are mixture with different ratios of metal and metal oxide above temperature range 643–793 K.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 6: TG and DTG of (a) [Co(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O, (b) [Ni(glu)(arg)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O, (c) [Cu(glu)((arg)]·H₂O, and (d) [Zn·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂]·H₂O.

Table 5: Thermogravimetric analysis decomposition data for the metal ternary complexes.

Complexes
Mol. (wt.)
TG range (°C)
Mass loss (%) found (calculated)
Total mass loss (%)
Assignment

(1)
425.26
64.39–126.84
10.89 (10.58)
79.30
2.5H₂O

170.25–224.93
10.88 (10.95)
CO + NH₃

298.49–343.38
11.56 (11.99)
3 NH₃

369.82–381.85
45.97 (45.15)
Organic compound (C₁₀H₁₀NO₃)

Above 381.85
20.70 (21.33)
Mix Co + CoO

(2)
425.03
78.30–124.19
14.11 (14.59)
78.61
2.5H₂O + NH₃

356.95–371.58
64.51 (63.76)
Organic compound (C₁₁N₄O₄H₁₉)

Above 371.58
21.38 (21.65)
Mix Ni + NiO residue

(3)
402.87
35.02–188.97
2.67 (2.23)
77.40
0.5H₂O

229.63–238.11
26.31 (25.81)
0.5H₂O + 3NH₃ + CO₂

284.95–294.79
10.04 (10.92)
CO₂

294.79–332.02
10.71 (11.17)
NH₃ + CO

480.35–505.88
27.67 (27.80)
Organic compound (C₈NH₂)

Above 505.88
22.60 (22.07)
Mix Cu + CuO

(4)
440.71
80.03–112.09
3.47 (4.08)
75.62
1H₂O

133.49–160.63
8.92 (8.17)
2H₂O

297.44–329.5
17.15 (17.70)
2NH₃ + CO₂

374.04–395.85
21.91 (21.60)
3NH₃ + CO₂

468.44–522.78
24.17 (25.20)
Organic compound (C₉H₃)

Above 522.78
24.38 (23.25)
Mix Zn + ZnO

It is noteworthy to mention that the geometries of the studied complexes are similar to L-arginine metal complex reported before [41], which have been confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data of single crystals.

3.3. Nanosized Metal Oxides Characterization

3.3.1. XRD of Nano CuO and Nano Cobaltosic Oxide (Co₃O₄)

XRD of thermal synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles starting from copper glutamic arginine-mixed ligands complex gives characteristic peaks at 2θ 32.6°, 35.6°, 38.7°, 48.9°, 53.6°, 58.2°, 61.6°, 66.3°, and 68.1° for the marked indices of (110), (002), (111), (202), (020), (202), (113), (022), and (113), respectively, as shown in Figure 7(a) which is comparable with the literature values. The average primary particle size of the copper(II) oxide nanoparticles was estimated using well-known Debye–Scherrer formula, using the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the (111) peaks in the XRD. K(α) is the wavelength of X-ray source (1.5406 Å = 0.15406 nm), β = ∆θ is the full width at half maximum (FWHM = 0.1378), and θ = 38.7 is the diffraction angle corresponding to the lattice plane (111) which gives D ∼14.3–20.4 ± 0.8 nm patterns [42–44].

(a)

(b)

Figure 7: XRD pattern of (a) copper oxide, CuO, and (b) cobalt oxide, Co₃O₄, prepared by thermal decomposition at 550 C° starting from metal glutamic arginine mixed ligands complex.

The pattern of XRD for cobalt oxide nanoparticles shows characteristic peaks at 2θ values at 18.98°, 31.27°, 36.82°, 38.48°, 44.78°, 55.68°, 59.34°, 65.21°, and 77.31° which are corresponding to their indices (111), (220), (311), (400), (511), and (440), in agreement with JCPDS Card No 76–1802. This pattern confirms the phase formation of cobalt oxide nanoparticle Figure 7(b). The average size of the Co₃O₄ particles was calculated by the Debye–Scherrer equation D = K(α) λ/(β cos θ) where D is the average crystalline size λ is the wavelength of CuKα, θ is Bragg’s angle, and β is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peak. The average dimension D is ∼14.7–18.2 ± 0.6 nm at 2θ = 36.82° which is the intense peak [44].

3.3.2. EDX of Nano CuO

The synthesized nano copper oxide is confirmed by the EDX spectrum and SEM image measurement shown in Figure 8, which confirms the highest formation percent of CuO and traces of copper carbide. The SEM image for nano copper oxide CuO shows a mixing nanosize 27.0∼107.9 nm [42, 43].

(a)

(b)

Figure 8: EDX and SEM images of CuO obtained by thermal decomposition at 550 C° starting from copper glutamic arginine mixed ligands complex.

3.3.3. EDX of Nano Cobaltosic Oxide

The synthesized nano cobalt oxide is confirmed by the EDX spectrum measurement shown in Figure 9, which confirms the highest formation percent of cobaltosic oxide Co₃O₄ and traces of cobalt carbide.. The SEM image for nano cobaltosic oxide Co₃O₄ shows a mixing nanosize 31.8–85.43 nm.

(a)

(b)

Figure 9: EDX and SEM images of Co₃O₄ obtained by thermal decomposition at 550 C° starting from cobalt glutamic arginine mixed ligands complex.

3.4. Applications

3.4.1. Biological Activity

Mixed ligand ternary complexes have been examined for their in vitro antimicrobial activity. This investigation was performed using the diffusion agar technique (Figure 5S). The assays collection included g-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa RCMB 010043 and Escherichia coli RCMB 010052) pathogenic bacteria using Gentamicin 5 mg/ml as a reference compound and g-positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae RCMB 010010 and Bacillis subtilis RCMB 010067) pathogenic bacteria using Ampicillin 5 mg/ml as a reference compound. It was also included four fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus RCMB 02568, Syncephalastrum racemosum RCMB 05922, Geotrichum candidum RCMB 05097, and Candida albicans RCMB 05036) using Amphotericin B 5 mg/ml as a reference compound [30, 45].

The inhibitory effects of the used ligands and their ternary polymer complexes against the used organisms are given in Table 6. In general, the used ligands did not display antifungal or antibacterial inhibitory.

Table 6: Antimicrobial activity of prepared ternary metal complexes.

Sample tested microorganisms
Glutamic acid
L-arginine
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Standard

Fungi

Amphotericin B

Aspergillus fumigatus (RCMB 02568)
13.4 ± 0.63
9.3 ± 0.44
16.9 ± 0.37 (31.25)
23.2 ± 0.25 (62.5)
20.0 ± 0.58 (3.9)
16.2 ± 0.63 (62.5)
23.7 ± 0.1 (0.24)

Syncephalastrum racemosum (RCMB 05922)
15.2 ± 0.44
7.4 ± 0.63
15.6 ± 0.25 (62.5)
22.0 ± 0.58 (62.5)
14.5 ± 0.44 (12.5)
14.7 ± 0.44 (12.5)
19.7 ± 0.2 (3.9)

Geotrichum candidum (RCMB 05097)
15.9 ± 0.37
14.8 ± 0.58
17.2 ± 0.58 (31.25)
23.9 ± 0.37 (31.25)
21.2 ± 0.72 (1.95)
15.3 ± 0.44 (62.5)
28.7 ± 0.2 (0.015)

Candida albicans (RCMB 05036)
NA
NA
NA (NA)
16.2 ± 0.63 (62.5)
20.0 ± 0.17 (3.9)
NA (NA)
25.4 ± 0.1 (0.12)

Gram-positive bacteria

Ampicillin

Streptococcus pneumonia (RCMB 010010)
NA
11.9 ± 0.25
13.9 ± 0.63 (12.5)
20.3 ± 0.17 (12.5)
18.5 ± 0.44 (7.81)
20.04 ± 0.58 (3.9)
23.8 ± 0.2 (0.24)

Bacillis subtilis (RCMB 010067)
NA
14.1 ± 0.37
21.3 ± 0.44 (1.95)
22.9 ± 0.44 (3.9)
15.8 ± 0.63 (62.5)
22.08 ± 0.58 (0.98)
32.4 ± 0.3 (0.007)

Gram-negative bacteria

Gentamicin

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RCMB 010043)
11.9 ± 0.25
NA
NA (NA)
21.4 ± 0.58 (3.9)
19.9 ± 0.44 (3.9)
12.7 ± 0.63 (12.5)
17.3 ± 0.1 (15.63)

Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052)
11.8 ± 0.63
15.2 ± 0.37
16.2 ± 0.44 (62.5)
24.8 ± 0.17 (12.5)
20.9 ± 0.58 (1.95)
18.6 ± 0.44 (7.81)
19.9 ± 0.3 (3.9)

NA, no activity. Values in bracket are the MIC values.

For antifungal assay examination and based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, it is found that the inhibitory effect of all the ternary complexes vary from moderate to weak against Amphotericin B control except in the case of Candida albicans (RCMB 05036), which is not affected by both cobalt and zinc complexes.

The antibacterial activities of the obtained ternary complexes are determined in terms of MIC values. As shown in Table 6, all complexes display moderate activities against Streptococcus pneumonia (RCMB 010010) and Bacillis subtilis RCMB 010067. The growth of the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa RCMB 010043 and Escherichia coli RCMB 010052 is extremely affected by both copper and nickel complexes which display strong inhibition against the gram-negative pathogenic bacteria with MIC value less than the Gentamicin control. The remaining complexes do not display the same behavior during the assay.

3.4.2. Cytotoxicity

One of the fundamental goals in medicinal chemistry is the development of new anticancer and antimicrobial therapeutic agents. Cancer treatment using metal-based drugs is one of the very effective strategies as the metal ions are capable of binding to nucleic acids stereospecifically with varying strength.

In vitro anticancer activity evaluation of the newly synthesized compounds was carried out against human cancer cell lines hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG2) because liver cancer is the third most common cause of death in cancer using MTT method [26, 46, 47].

Doxorubicin HCl is one of the most effective anticancer agents is used as a reference drug in this study. The obtained results from Table 2S indicated that most of these molecules’ behavior can be observed from the values of the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC₅₀, which for glutamic and arginine are 16.7 and 37.6 μg/ml, respectively.

IC₅₀ results indicate that the ternary complexes have promised inhibition of HePG2 liver tumors [48, 49].

Cell viability was assessed by the mitochondrial-dependent reduction of yellow MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) to insoluble purple formazan [45]. The prepared ternary metal complexes are of different viability percentages as depicted in Figure 10. Data of both ligands are also included for comparison.

Figure 10: Cell viability of (HePG2) at different concentrations of ligands and the prepared metal complexes.

Table 2S shows that the ligands have lower inhibition of HePG2 than their metal ternary complexes. The copper complex introduces the highest inhibition.

Additionally, Table 7 summarizes some computed electrical, reactivity [50], and thermodynamic properties for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes (as maximum and minimum IC₅₀ of the four prepared ternary metals complexes), which are correlated with the inhibition of human cancer cells and are useful to explain the role played by molecular properties in inhibition of human cancer cells.

Table 7: Simulated electrical properties of complexes studied exhibiting enhanced inhibition of HePG2.

Complex
Energy (au)
HOMO (ev)
LUMO (ev)
μ (Debye)
α (A³)
H° (au)
G° (au)
S° J/mol∗K
(ev)
η (ev)

Co(II)
−2692.2
−3.713
−2.176
11.84
214.7
−2691.4
−2691.5
218
−2.94
0.77

Cu(II)
−2797.1
−5.167
−4.105
6.81
206.5
−2796.4
−2796.5
194
−4.64
0.53

The simulated data summarized in Table 7 conclude the following:

(i)Cu complex is more energetically stable relative to Co complex by about −265 kJ/mol.(ii)Cu complex is characterized by lower dipole moment and lower polarizability relative to Co(II) complexes.(iii)Enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of the Cu complexes are more stable by about −265 kJ/mol relative to Co(II) complex. Lower entropy reflects lower degree of randomness of Cu(II) complex.(iv)The chemical potential () (negative of molecular electronegativity) of Cu(II) complex is much higher than that of Co(II) complex reflecting the enhanced reactivity of Cu(II) complex as nucleophile because measures the escaping tendency of electrons from the complex ( = (LUMO + HOMO)/2) [50].(v)Cu complex is characterized by lower hardness than Co(II) complex. Hardness measures the resistance to electron transfer (η = (LUMO-HOMO)/2) [50].

It seems that more thermodynamically stable and less polar Cu complex exhibits that enhanced responsive electron cloud transfer to the surrounding tumor relative to the Co(II) complex. These quantitative molecular descriptors [50] explain the promising inhibition activity of the Cu(II) complex. The results are correlated with the above-discussed PES results, which show that Cu complex could act as nucleophile, whereas Co complex is of enhanced electrophilic nature.

The nucleophilicity of Cu complex (seeking for positively charged sites of the reactant) together with its electrical, thermodynamic, and molecular properties favors its promising inhibition activity towards HePG2 cancer cell [51–53].

3.4.3. Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum

An assessment of corrosion rates and inhibition efficiency for aluminum with different inhibitor concentrations were computed as follows: corrosion rate Rcorr was computed using equation (5):

where M₁ = weight (g) before immersion, M₂ = weight (g) after immersion, A = area (cm²) of the specimen, and t = exposure time (h).

The inhibition efficiency (%IE) was evaluated using equation (6):

where Rblank = corrosion rates in the absence of inhibitor and Rinh = corrosion rates in the presence of inhibitor [16].

Table 8 shows the calculated corrosion rates and inhibition efficiencies of aluminum specimens in aqueous solution of 1M HCl as the corrosive medium in absence and presence of mixed ligands and their ternary metal complexes at different temperatures (293 –313) K for 7 hours of each concentration. Figure 6S shows that, as the concentration of ligands and their complexes increases, Rcorr decreases and %IE increases for mixed ligands, and their metal complexes acted as more efficient inhibitors than their mixed ligands alone.

Table 8: Corrosion parameters for aluminum in aqueous solution of 1M HCl in the absence and presence of different concentrations of mixed ligands and their metal complexes at different temperatures for 7 hrs.

Inhibitors
C (×10⁻² M)
Corrosion rate ×10⁻⁴ (g·h⁻¹·cm⁻²)
Inhibition efficiency (IE%)

293 K
303 K
313 K
293 K
303 K
313 K

Mixed ligand (Arg : Glu) ratio (1 : 1)
00
3.47
7.32
11.58
—
—
—

0.01
2.60
5.93
9.73
25
19
16

0.02
2.50
5.64
9.26
28
23
20

0.03
2.22
5.20
8.80
36
29
24

0.04
1.80
4.76
8.34
48
35
28

0.05
1.60
4.39
7.76
54
40
33

0.06
1.35
3.22
6.95
61
56
40

0.07
1.11
3.07
6.25
68
58
46

[Co(glu)·(arg)·(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O
0.01
1.46
2.78
4.28
58
62
63

0.02
1.28
2.49
3.71
63
66
68

0.03
1.08
2.12
3.13
69
71
73

0.04
0.97
1.76
2.90
72
76
76

0.05
0.83
1.46
2.08
76
80
82

0.06
0.87
1.32
1.62
75
82
86

0.07
0.73
1.10
1.15
79
85
90

[Ni(glu)·(arg)·(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O
0.01
2.19
4.32
6.60
37
41
43

0.02
2.01
4.10
6.14
42
44
47

0.03
1.77
3.66
5.44
49
50
53

0.04
1.53
3.22
4.98
56
56
57

0.05
1.35
2.71
3.94
61
63
66

0.06
1.15
2.27
3.47
67
69
70

0.07
0.97
2.05
2.90
72
72
75

[Cu(glu)·((arg)]·H₂O
0.01
2.32
4.76
7.18
33
35
38

0.02
2.12
4.25
6.25
39
42
46

0.03
1.91
3.88
5.91
45
47
49

0.04
1.63
3.37
5.21
53
54
55

0.05
1.46
3.07
4.86
58
58
58

0.06
1.32
2.71
4.05
62
63
65

0.07
1.18
2.34
3.47
66
68
70

[Zn(glu)·(arg)·(H₂O)₂]·H₂O
0.01
1.25
2.42
3.59
64
67
69

0.02
1.08
2.05
3.13
69
72
73

0.03
0.83
1.61
2.43
76
78
79

0.04
0.73
1.54
2.08
79
79
82

0.05
0.62
1.17
1.74
82
84
85

0.06
0.59
0.95
1.39
83
87
88

0.07
0.52
0.81
0.93
85
89
92

3.4.4. Adsorption Isotherms and the Thermodynamic Activation Parameters

The metal surface coverage degree (θ = %IE/100) was subjected to different adsorption isotherms. The well fit for weight loss data is obtained for Langmuir adsorption isotherm Figure 11.

Figure 11: Langmuir adsorption isotherms of the mixed ligands (L) and their metal complexes.

The temperature effect (293–313 K) on aluminum weight loss inhibition may be attributed to two main mechanisms: physical and chemical adsorption [37]. The suggested mechanisms are obtained as the temperature increases, the efficiency decreases for mixed ligands but increases for their metal complexes depending on the nature of bond formation between the mixed ligands and aluminum surface, which is different from the nature of bond formation between metal complexes and the aluminum surface [16]. Arrhenius equation (7) gives the relation between the corrosion rate and temperature:

where A is the Arrhenius factor, is the apparent activation energy of the corrosion process, R is the rate gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. The straight line slope of log Rcorr vs 1/T for aluminum 1 M HCl at 4 × 10⁻⁴ mol/L after 7 h is −/2.303R for the inhibitors (Figure 12).

Figure 12: Arrhenius of log corrosion rate (Rcorr) vs 1/T for aluminum in 1M HCl without and with 0.04 × 10⁻² ML⁻¹ of inhibitors (mixed ligands and their metal complexes).

The activation thermodynamic parameters for aluminum dissolution could be obtained from the transition state equation (8):

where the entropy of activation ∆S∗ and the apparent enthalpy of activation ∆H∗ can be obtained from the intercept and the slope for the straight line of the relation between ln(Rcorr/T) vs (1/T), respectively. N is Avogadro’s number, and h is Planck’s constant. The Gibbs free energy of activation ∆G∗ can be detected by equation (9):

Table 9 shows the thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of mixed ligands and their metal complexes. The positive value of ∆H∗ indicated the endothermic property of dissolution process nature for aluminum in the acidic medium [54].

Table 9: Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption of (0.04 × 10⁻²) M/L mixed ligands and their metal complexes on aluminum metal in aqueous solution of 1 M HCl at different temperatures for 7 hrs.

Compound
Temp. (K)
Corrosion rate ×10⁻⁴ (g· h⁻¹· cm⁻²)
IE%
(kJ·mol⁻¹)
(kJ·mol⁻¹)
(kJ·mol⁻¹)
(kJ·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹)

Blank
293
3.47
—
66.002
47.556
52.080
−0.0149

303
7.32
—

313
11.58
—

Mixed ligand (Arg: Glu) ratio (1 : 1)
293
1.8
48
69.528
61.191
53.268
0.0262

303
4.76
35

313
8.34
28

(1)
293
0.97
72
58.822
46.517
54.165
−0.0252

303
1.76
76

313
2.90
76

(2)
293
1.53
56
60.459
43.025
55.510
−0.0412

303
3.22
56

313
4.98
57

(3)
293
1.63
53
61.845
41.030
56.139
−0.0499

303
3.37
54

313
5.21
55

(4)
293
0.73
79
57.688
45.810
54.035
−0.0271

303
1.54
79

313
2.08
82

However, the blank value is higher than the inhibitor metal complexes, which indicated that the inhibition efficiency generally increases with increasing temperature. The association step is the rate-determining step rather than a dissociation process in presence of the metal complexes inhibitors due to the negative values of . It is known that the values of above 40 kJ·mol⁻¹ are referred to charge transfer from the inhibitor molecules into aluminum surface to form coordinated compound on the Al surface which blocks it against corrosion process by different degrees. Also, the chemical adsorption process mechanism is confirmed by the values of above 40 kJ·mol⁻¹ [16, 54–56].

4. Conclusions

Novel coordination materials of ternary divalent metal ions (Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II)) chelated by the bidentate glutamic acid (Glu) and L-arginine (Arg) amino acids are synthesized and characterized. The metal ions complexes are modelled using density DFT and TD-DFT theory. Computed molecular and spectroscopic (IR, UV-Vis, and EPR) properties validated the experimental results. The used computational methods are capable of providing good structural descriptions for the TM complexes. Consistent with the experimental properties, the optimized structures of the complexes [Cu(II) Glu-Arg] and [Co(II) Glu-Arg (H₂O)₂] reveal that symmetry environment of Cu(II) exhibits slightly distorted square planar shape, whereas Co(II)-complex has a distorted octahedral (where Co(II) central ion is of C4v-local symmetry). Spectral properties of [Ni(II) Glu-Arg (H₂O)₂] and [Zn·Glu·Arg·(H₂O)₂] complexes indicate that they have similar structure as Co(II) complex. All the studied ternary metal complexes are of different antifungal activities ranging from moderate to weak without practically noticed inhibitory effects, whereas antibacterial activities of all studied metal complexes show significant effects.

Cytotoxicity studies against (HePG2) reveal the promising potentiality of Cu(II) complex as inhibitor of cancer cells. The results are correlated with the computed molecular descriptors including dipole moment, polarizability, thermodynamics, and reactivity properties as well as the PES maps.

The corrosion inhibition of aluminum metal specimens in 1M HCl is efficiently achieved by mixed ligands and their metal complexes studied.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Supplementary Materials

The supplementary materials consist of six figures and two tables to further clarify the structures and trends of the newly prepared metal ternary complexes. (Supplementary Materials.)

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