Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications
Volume 2020 (2020), Article ID 8866382, 17 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8866382

Research Article

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Zn(II) and Cd(II) Schiff Base Complexes as Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Agents

Mutlaq S. Aljahdali¹ and Ahmed A. El-Sherif²

¹Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Correspondence should be addressed to Ahmed A. El-Sherif; aelsherif72@yahoo.com

Received 20 August 2020; Revised 21 October 2020; Accepted 23 October 2020; Published 19 November 2020

Academic Editor: Patrick Bednarski

Copyright © 2020 Mutlaq S. Aljahdali and Ahmed A. El-Sherif. 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.

(E)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-((E-1-(2-(p-tolyl)hydrazono)propan-2-ylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (DMPTHP) and their Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Different tools of analysis such as elemental analyses, IR, mass spectra, and ¹H-NMR measurements were used to elucidate the structure of the synthesized compounds. According to these spectral results, the DMPTHP ligand behaved as a mononegatively charged tridentate anion. Modeling and docking studies were investigated and discussed. Novel Schiff base (DMPTHP) ligand protonation constants and their formation constants with Cd(II) and Zn(II) ions were measured in 50% DMSO solution at 15°C, 25°C, and 35°C at I = 0.1 mol·dm⁻³ NaNO₃. The solution speciation of different species was measured in accordance with pH. Calculation and discussion of the thermodynamic parameters were achieved. Both log K₁ and –ΔH₁, for M(II)-thiosemicarbazone complexes were found to be somewhat larger than log K₂ and –ΔH₂, demonstrating a shift in the dentate character of DMPTHP from tridentate in 1 : 1 chelates to bidentate in 1 : 2; M : L chelates and steric hindrance were generated by addition of the 2nd molecule. The compounds prepared have significant activity as antioxidants, similar to ascorbic acid. It is hoped that the results will be beneficial to antimicrobial agent chemistry. The formed compounds acted as a potent antibacterial agent. Molecular docking studies were investigated and have proved that DMPTHP as antibacterial agents act on highly resistant strains of E. coli and also as an anticancer agent.

1. Introduction

Lately, there has been a very successful interaction between inorganic chemistry and biology. Schiff bases and their complexes in medicinal chemistry are an essential class of compounds [1, 2]. Schiff bases play a crucial role in coordination chemistry, since they form stable metal complexes [3–12].

The role of coordination compounds in detoxification of heavy metals is a complex subject that involves cooperation between numerous scientific branches. The primary contribution of chemistry to this subject is to produce both models of coordination and complex formation constants between chelating agents and metal ions, in a parliamentary procedure to compare the power of the formed complexes with their properties. Column 12 metal complexes are typically attractive in view of their marked differences in chemical and biological behaviors.

Zn is the human body’s second most abundant trace metal [13] and can catalyze over 300 enzymes, such as those responsible for the synthesis of DNA and RNA [14]. It is also physiologically essential for bone metabolism, collagen synthesis, the integrity of the immune system, anti-inflammatory actions, and defense versus free radicals [15]. Therefore, Zn(II) is better removed by novel methods away from classical coordination methods used in vivo.

Nevertheless, cadmium is a very toxic metal ion that poses both human and animal health hazards. Its toxicity is done by its easy localization inside the liver and then by the binding of metallothionein, which eventually forms a complex and is transmitted into the blood stream to be lodged in the kidney.

The cause of Cd toxicity is the negative effect on cell enzyme systems that are the consequences of metallic ion substitution (mainly Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ca²⁺) into metalloenzymes and its strong interaction with thiol groups [16]. Zinc (II) replacement with Cd(II) ion usually causes apoprotein catalysis to break down [17, 18]. Thus, substances that can form stable chelates with Cd may be produced in a significant research field as they can be used as detoxifying compounds. Referable to the broad scope of pharmacological properties of thiosemicarbazone ligands and their compounds, these compounds can also very well fit for this role. With this in mind and in the perpetuation of our studies in the subject area of bioactive compounds [19–22], it seems of great interest to synthesize and identify novel compounds involving both thiosemicarbazone and hydrazo moieties. In addition, our goal is comparison of M complexes strength with DMPTHP in quantitative terms in order to evaluate the capability of that ligand to extract Cd and also to explore the biological activities of the identified compounds.

2. Experimental

2.1. Chemicals Used

All the chemicals used were of A.R. grade quality. Metallic ion solutions were formed by the dissolution of metal ion salts in deionized H₂O, and EDTA titrations were used to calculate their concentrations. NaOH solution was accurately standardized by the standard KH phthalate solution.

2.2. Synthesis

2.2.1. 1-(p-Tolylhydrazono)-propan-2-one (PTHP) Compound

We have synthesized 1-(p-tolylhydrazono)-propan-2-one (PTHP) compound using the reported method [23, 24].

2.2.2. Synthesis of (E)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-((E)-1-(2-(p-tolyl)hydrazono)propan-2-ylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (DMPTHP) Thiosemicarbazone Compound

PTHP (from Sigma–Aldrich) (0.1760 g, 1 mmol) in 30 ml ethanol was combined with N,N-dimethylthiosemicarbazide (from Sigma–Aldrich) in ethanol solution (30 ml) (0.120 g, 1 mmol) and refluxed for 3-4 hours into a hot plate. The isolated precipitate was washed with Et₂O and dried overnight under silica gel.

Yield, 76%. Anal. Calc. for C₁₃H₁₉N₅S: C, 56.29; H, 6.90; N, 25.26; and S, 11.56. Found: C, 56.18; H, 6.94; N, 25.19; and S, 11.66%. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3352 (N₂H), 1499, 1250, 1080, and 798 (bands I, II, III, and IV of thiomide, respectively), 1082 (N-N), 1615 (C=N), 1548 (C=C), 3434 (N5H), and 3012 (C-H). MS (m/z): 279 (M⁺ + 2, 4.87%), 278 (M⁺ + 1, 14.92%), 277 (M⁺, 100%), 247 (2.51%), 11.39 (s, 1H, NH), 10.77 (s, H, NH), 6.91–7.11 (m, 4H, -Ar), 7.36 (s, H, CH=N), 2.02 (s, 3H, -CH₃), and 2.23 (s, 6H, -CH₃). ¹³C-NMR (DMSO): 178.4. 178.2, 148.6, 142.4, 135, 130, 120, 112.8, 40.1, 38.2, and 21.4.

2.2.3. Synthesis of M(II) Complexes

In presence of triethylamine, ethanol solution (2 mmol, DMPTHP) was gradually added with stirring to the warm aqueous metal solution (2 mmol) and refluxed for 5 hours into a hot plate. The solid product was filtered out, washed with C₂H₅OH followed by Et₂O, and vacuum-dried over P₄O₁₀.

(1) Zn(II)-DMPTHP Complex. Yield, 65%. Anal. Calc. for C₁₃H₁₈N₅SZnCl: C, 41.39; H, 4.81; N, 18.57; Cl, 9.40; and S, 8.50. Found: C, 41.28; H, 4.72; N, 18.45; Cl, 9.35; and S, 7.49%. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 1496, 1247, 1075, and 770 (bands of thiomide, I, II, III, and IV, respectively), 1092 (N-N), 1582 (C=N), 1522 (C=C), 3418 (N5H), 276 (Zn-Cl), 440 (Zn-N), and 318 (Zn-S). MS (m/z): 377 (M⁺ + 2, 58%), 375 (M⁺, 100%), 11.61 (s, 1H, NH), 6.70–7.01 (m, 4H, -Ar), 7.11 (s, H, CH=N), 1.95 (s, 3H, -CH₃), and 2.08 (s, 6H, -CH₃).

(2) Cd(II)-DMPTHP Complex. Yield, 66%. Anal. Calc. for C₁₃H₁₈N₅SCdCl: C, 36.81; H, 4.28; N, 16.51; Cl, 8.36; and S, 7.56. Found: C, 36.78; H, 4.22; N, 16.45; Cl, 8.28; and S, 7.49%. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 1499, 1243, 1079, and 768 (bands of thiomide, I, II, III, and IV, respectively), 1090 (N-N), 1586 (C=N), 1525 (C=C), 3418 (N5H), 252 (Cd-Cl), 411 (Cd-N), and 298 (Cd-S). MS (m/z): 425 (M⁺, 100%), 11.53 (s, 1H, NH), 6.68–7.05 (m, 4H, –Ar), 7.08 (s, H, CH=N), 1.96 (s, 3H, –CH₃), and 2.05 (s, 6H, –CH₃).

2.3. Instruments

All the ingredients used have been supplied by Aldrich. A CHNS automatic analyzer, Vario EII-Elementar, was used to conduct elemental microanalysis for C, H, N, and S. In a Perkins Elmer FTIR, spectrophotometer type 1650 with KBr disk and IR was registered. A Perkin Elmer FTIR, type 1650 spectrophotometer with the potassium bromide disc was used to monitor IR spectra. On a spectrophotometer of Shimazdu 3101 pc, electronic spectra are recorded. A Bruker ARX-300 instrument was applied to monitor the ¹H-NMR spectra using deuterated dimethylsulphoxide (d₆-DMSO) as solvent relative to TMS. Mass spectrometry analyses have been carried out using Shimadzu GCMS-QP1000EX. A Metrohm 848 Titrino supplied with a Dosimat unit (Switzerland-Herisau) has been utilized for potentiometric titrations. Inside the cell, a constant temperature was maintained through the circulating waterbath. Based on low solutions for the DMPTHP synthesized compound and the potential aqueous solution hydrolysis, all potentiometric measurements were performed in 50% water-DMSO mixture.

2.4. Potentiometric Titrations

Through potentiometric technique, using the method depicted above in the literature, the constant ligand protonation and formation of complexes were estimated [25]. The standard buffer solutions are used for accurately calibrating the glass electrode to NBS standards using KH phthalate and mixture of KH₂PO₄ + Na₂HPO₄ as buffer solutions [26]. The standard solution of 0.05 mol/dm³ NaOH, free of CO₂, is used to titrate all samples in the N₂ atmosphere. Sample solution was developed to avoid hydrolysis of the DMPTHP compound during titration by mixing equal volumes of DMSO and water. In addition, the ionic strength was kept constant during titration using a mixture of NaNO₃ as supporting electrolyte.

As known, the calculated formation constants using a potentiometric method have been carried out using a concentration of hydrogen ion expressed in molarity. Nevertheless, the concentration in a pH meter has been expressed in activity coefficient −log aH+ (pH). Thus, this equation of Van Uitert and Hass (equation (1)) was used to convert the pH meter readings (B) to [H⁺] [27, 28].

where log₁₀UH is the solvent composition correction factor and the ionic strength read by B. for titrated samples was estimated as previously described [29]. All measurements and procedures comply with literature requirements [30–32].

Titrating (40 cm³) (1.25 × 10⁻³ mol/dm³) DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone solution with standard sodium hydroxide solution estimated the protonation constants of the compound thiosemicarbazone. Metal (II) complex formation constants were determined by titration (40 cm³) of (MCl₂·nH₂O) (1.25 × 10⁻³ mol/dm³) + (DMPTHP) (1.25 × 10⁻³ mol/dm³/2.5 × 10⁻³ mol/dm³). The following equations have described the equilibrium constants from the titration data in which M, L, and H represent M(II), DMPTHP, and H⁺, respectively.

2.5. Processing of Data

MINIQUAD-75 computer program has been applied to calculate ca. 100 readings for each titration [33]. Species distribution diagrams for the studied samples were given by the SPECIES program [34].

2.6. Molecular Modeling Studies

In the Materials Studio package [35], DFT calculations were carried using DMOL³ software [36–38]. Different calculations were carried out using double numerical base and functional polarization sets (DNP) [39] for DFT semicore pseudopods. The numerical RPBE functional is dependent on the generalized gradient approximation as the best correlation function [40, 41].

2.7. Molecular Docking

Docking is used to predict compound conformation and orientation in the binding pocket of the receptor. In this study, the molecular interaction of compound and its poses were studied against the three-dimensional structure of PDB ID: 1NEK in E. Coli and PDB ID: 3HB5 in breast cancer to get information correlated to their correct binding orientation and to realize the interaction nature between them. Crystal structure of the protein receptor 1NEK in E. Coli and 3HB5 in breast cancer were downloaded from the RCSB Protein Data Bank [42]. Docking of the compounds in the active site of the protein receptors is performed by MOE software [43]. Energy minimizations were performed with an RMSD (root of mean square deviation) gradient of 0.05 kcal·mol⁻¹·Å⁻¹ using the GBVI/WSADG force field, and the partial charges were calculated.

2.8. Biological Activity

2.8.1. In Vitro Antibacterial Activity

The ability thiosemicarbazone compounds to suppress the bacterial growth were checked by the disc diffusion method [44]. Aerobic Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, are among the bacterial strains that were used in this study in addition to two fungal strains including Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Novel synthesized compounds were prepared in DMSO. 100 μl of each of the synthesized thiosemicarbazone compounds was inserted into discs (0.8 cm), and then, they were allowed to dry. The discs were completely saturated with the synthesized compounds. The discs were then placed at least 25 mm from the edge into the upper layer of the medium. The disks were then gently placed on the same plate’s surface. At 37°C for 72 hours, the plate was then incubated, and the clear area of inhibition was examined. The inhibition zone (an area where there is no growth around the disc’s) was eventually determined by the ruler millimeter.

2.8.2. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

Free radical scavenging action of the synthesized DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound was analyzed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay [45] using ascorbic acid as a reference standard material. Using Thermo Scientific Evolution 201 UV-Visible Spectrometer, the absorbance of the sample, blank, and control were measured in the dark at 517 nm. The experimental test was performed three times. Antioxidant activity percentage was measured as follows:

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Characterization of DMPTHP Thiosemicarbazone Compounds

Condensation of the 1-(p-tolylhydrazono)-propan-2-one compound with N,N-dimethylthiosemicarbazide readily gives rise to the corresponding DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound. The isolated compounds are air stable and insoluble in H₂O, yet easily soluble in solvents such as DMF or DMSO. Cd-DMPTHP and Zn-DMPTHP complexes have a higher m.p. than the parent DMPTHP ligand. Different analytical tools were employed to identify the structure of prepared thiosemicarbazone compounds. The results from the basic analysis are well in line with the calculated results for the proposed formula.

3.2. IR Spectrum

The preliminary allocations of the major IR bands of DMPTHP and its M(II) complexes show the following characteristics:

(1)New band of ν (C=N) stretching vibration [46] at 1615 cm⁻¹ with disappearance of the ν (>C=O) confirming the condensation reaction and formation of the DMPTHP compound(2)Presence of -NH-C=S linkage support thione  ↔  thiol tautomerism of thiosemicarbazone compounds [47], but ν (S-H) absorption band at 2500–2600 cm⁻¹ was absent with an appearance of ν (C=S) band at 798 cm⁻¹ indicating the presence of the DMPTHP compound in the solid state as a thione form(3)For the DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound, vibrational bands with the wave numbers of 3012 cm⁻¹ (νC-H and Ar-H), 1615 cm⁻¹ (νC=N), 1548 cm⁻¹ (νC=C), and 1082 cm⁻¹ (νN-N) were detected(4)In the DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound spectra, the bands observed in the range 1499, 1250, 1080, and 798 cm⁻¹ are attributed to the bands of thiomide I, II, III, and IV, consecutively [48](5)The far IR spectra of the Cd(II)-DMPTHP complex showed a band at 411 cm⁻¹ and 298 cm⁻¹ referring to the ν (Cd-N) and ν (Cd-S) vibrations, respectively [49], while the Zn(II)-DMPTHP spectrum displays a band at 440 cm⁻¹ and 318 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the ν (Zn-N) and ν (Zn-S) vibrations, respectively [50]. Such new nonligand bands due to M-N and M-S vibrations in DMPTHP complexes are in the predictable order of increasing energy, (M-N) > (M-S), as expected due to the greater dipole moment change in the M-N vibration, greater electronegativity of the N atom, and shorter M-N bond length than the M-S bond length.(6)According to literature, the ranges from 160 cm⁻¹ to 300 cm⁻¹ are allocated to the M-Cl and M-Br vibration bonds where M is the metal [51, 52]. The ν (M-Cl) that appeared in our work between 252 cm⁻¹ and 276 cm⁻¹ are well in line with the literature values. According to these spectral results, the DMPTHP ligand is asserted to have lost the N2-H proton and bonded to Mn+ as a mononegatively charged tridentate anion after deprotonation via the thiolate sulfur atom and the two azomethine N atoms.

3.3. NMR Spectrum

¹H-NMR spectra of DMPTHP in DMSO-d₆ show no resonance at approximately 4.0 ppm due to -SH proton [48], whereas the presence of a peak at 10.77 ppm (signal field of existence of the NH group next to C=S) suggests that they remain in the thione form even in a polar solvent like DMSO. Methine proton of the characteristic azomethine group (CH=N) for the DMPTHP compound was observed at δ = 7.36 ppm. Signals of the aromatic protons appear at 6.91–7.11 ppm. Methyl group was observed as a singlet signal at δ = 2.02–2.21. As common [53], the interaction with the d¹⁰ Cd(II) ion moves the complex ¹H-NMR signals downfield from those of free DMPTHP (Δδ = 0.0–0.2 ppm) as a result of coordination via the N-atom [54] (α 11.39 ppm in DMPTHP and 11.53 in the complex).

3.4. UV-Vis Spectrum

Electronic DMPTHP ligand spectrum shows two absorption bands. The first band at about 33020 cm⁻¹ was assigned to and the second one at 26830 cm⁻¹ region is due to the transition. Always, transitions often take place at lower energy than transitions [55].

3.5. Mass Spectrum

The proposed formulas can be further proven by mass spectroscopy. In addition to a number of peaks that are attributive to the different fragments of the DMPTHP compound, the electron mass impact spectrum of DMPTHP support the anticipated formulation by displaying a peak at 277, which corresponds to the compound moiety (C₁₃H₁₉N₅S). These data suggest that a ketone PTHP group is condensed with the N-dimethylthiosemicarbazide NH₂ group. The M(II) complex mass spectra have been studied. Comparing the molecular formula weights with m/z values confirm the suggested molecular formula for these complexes. Molecular ion peaks for Zn-DMPTHP and Cd-DMPTHP complexes were observed at m/z = 375 and 425, respectively. These data agree very well with the molecular formulation proposed for (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) (1) and (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) (2) complexes.

3.6. Conductivity Measurements and Magnetism

Conductivity measurements provide an insight into the degree of complexes ionization, i.e., the ionized complexes have a higher molar conductivity than nonionized ones. The molar conductance is calculated by this relationship:

where C (mol/l) represents the concentration of the solution, and K is the specific conductivity. The obtained lower values (ΛM = 8.9–10.2 Ω⁻¹·cm²·mol⁻¹) for conductivity measurements agree with the fact that nonelectrolytes have ΛM < 50 Ω⁻¹·cm²·mol⁻¹ in DMSO solutions [56]. This observation was also confirmed by a chemical analysis in which the addition of the AgNO₃ solution does not precipitate Cl⁻ ion.

3.7. Molecular Modeling

The following parameters such as dipole moment, total energy, binding energy, HOMO, and LUMO energies have been measured and provided in Table 1 after geometric optimizations of the free DMPTHP compound structures and their M(II) complexes using DFT semicore pseudopod calculations using DMOL³ software [35–38] in the Materials Studio package.

Table 1: The calculated quantum chemical parameters of the DMPTHP ligand and M(II)-DMPTHP complexes.

Compound
EH
EL
ΔE
IE
EA
x
η
S
ΔNmax
ω
ω⁻
      ω⁺

DMPTHP
−8.50
−2.19
6.31
8.50
2.19
5.35
3.16
0.32
−2.69
4.53
7.59
      2.25

Zn-L
−4.61
−2.17
2.44
4.61
2.17
3.39
1.22
0.82
−3.78
4.71
6.56
      3.17

Cd-L
−4.75
−1.98
2.77
4.75
1.98
3.37
1.39
0.72
−3.43
4.09
5.94
      2.58

The DMPTHP compound’s molecular structure and zinc (II) complex along with the atom numbering scheme are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: The molecular structure of the DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound along with the atom numbering scheme.

Figure 2: The molecular structure of the (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) complex along with the atom numbering scheme.

3.7.1. Bond Length and Bond Angles

Tables 1S–4S list the bond angles and lengths of the DMPTHP ligand and Zn(II)-DMPTHP complex, while the selected bond lengths of the metal (II) complexes compared to the free DMPTHP thiosemicarbazone compound are given in Table 2.

Table 2: Selected bond length of the DMPTHP ligand and M(II)-DMPTHP complexes.

Bond
DMPTHP
Cd(II)-DMPTHP
Zn(II)-DMPTHP

C(7)-N(6)
1.354
1.393
1.369

C(2)-N(3)
1.317
1.322
1.319

C(1)-N(3)
1.304
1.310
1.322

C(7)-S(8)
1.697
1.755
1.765

M-S
—
2.538
2.379

M-N(3)
—
2.350
2.075

M-N(4)
—
2.595
2.230

M-Cl
—
2.413
2.255

The bond length of the free DMPTHP compound is modified slightly as a result of coordination [57].

In a DMPTHP system of both complexes, metal-azomethine and metal-S bond formation leads to an increase for the distances N(6)–C(7), N(3)–C(2), and N(4)–C(1) (Table 1) when compared with free DMPTHP structure.

In complexes, the metal (II) is bound to the Cl atom (Cd-Cl = 2.413 Å; Zn-Cl = 2.255 Å) and to the sulfur atom of the DMPTHP ligand (Cd-S = 2.538 Å; Zn-S = 2.379 Å). The bond angles around the center of both Zn(II) (∼108.1–123.1) and Cd(II) (∼109.9–120.5) suggest that the geometric form is distorted tetrahedral as suggested by the various analytical tools mentioned above.

C-S bond length increases from 1.697 Å in DMPTHP to 1.755 Å and 1.765 Å in the Cd-DMPTHP and Zn-DMPTHP complexes, respectively. Likewise, the N-C(S) bond is substantially increased from 1.354 Å in the free DMPTHP ligand to 1.393 Å and 1.369 Å in Cd-DMPTHP and Zn-DMPTHP complexes, respectively. Such modifications mean that deprotonated sulfur is coordinated after enethiolization. Thus, the single bond character of C-S distances (Table 1) being some of the largest found for DMPTHP complexes (typical bond lengths being C(sp²)-S 1.706 Å in (CH₃S)₂C = C(SCH₃)₂) [58, 59].

3.7.2. Molecular Parameters

Quantum chemical parameters such as EHOMO and ELUMO in addition to the separation energy (ΔE), absolute electronegativity (χ), ionization energy (IE), absolute hardness (η), electron affinity (EA), electrophilicity (), electron accepting power (), electron donating power (), and additional electronic charge (ΔNmax) have been computed according to the following equations [60–65]. Softness (σ) is the global hardness inverse [66].

We can infer the following from the data obtained in Tables 1 and 3:

(a)The calculated negative energy values of HOMO (electron-rich) and LUMO (electron-poor) indicating the stability of M(II) complexes [63](b)Absolute hardness (µ) and softness (μ) are important characteristics in calculation of molecular stability and reactivity. The hard molecules have a large energy space with less reactivity (EHOMO − ELUMO), whereas the soft molecules have a smaller energy space and a greater reactivity, meaning that the energy gap is an index of stability to measure the chemical reactivity and kinetic stability of the molecule [67, 68]. Chemical hardness values of the complexes have been observed to adopt this order: (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) (η = 1.39) > (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) (η = 1.22).(c)When HOMO energy decreases, the molecule’s ability to donate electron decreases, while high HOMO energy means that the molecule is an efficient donor of electrons. A significant parameter for the formation of a charging transfer complex between the compound and its biological target is the greater donation function of the compound.(d)The energies of HOMO metal (II) systems have been found to be closely spaced (EHOMO, (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) −4.75 eV; EHOMO, (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) −4.61 eV)(e)The energy gap (EHOMO−ELUMO) for the synthesized DMPTHP compound is 2.20. For the title compound, this large HOMO-LUMO distance automatically assumed high excitation strength, good stability, and great chemical hardness.(f)The energy separation values for the synthesized metal (II) complexes between the HOMO and LUMO are 2.44–2.77 eV. This energy gap conforms to the values for stable metal transition complexes [69].(g)Based on binding energy calculations, the binding energy value of complexes (−72725.7 to −72869.8 kcal·mol⁻¹) is improved compared to that of free DMPTHP (−65204.4 kcal·mol⁻¹), meaning that its stability exceeds that of the free DMPTHP ligand.(h)As is known, the electrical dipole moment measures electrical charging separation of a system. Thus, the (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) complex with 2.76 dipole moment is more polar than the (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) complex with the smallest dipole moment (2.63).

Table 3: Some energetic properties of the DMPTHP ligand and M(II)-DMPTHP complexes.

Ligand/complex
Total energy (kcal/mol)
Binding energy (kcal/mol)
Electronic energy (kcal/mol)
Nuclear energy (kcal/mol)
Dipole moment (debye)

DMPTHP
−65204.4
−3726.1
−447505.9
382301.5
3.55

Zn-L
−72869.8
−3792.7
−515891.3
443021.4
2.76

Cd-L
−72725.7
−3762.4
−498546.9
425821.2
2.63

3.8. Structure of the Complexes

From various analytical instruments used, it is inferred that the DMPTHP ligand was bound to metal as a monobasic tridentate (NNS-donor) ligand, and the chlorine atom behaves as a monobasic monodentate ligand. The dipositively charged metals’ neutrality comes from deprotonation of the DMPTHP ligand SH group and the negatively charged Cl⁻ group. The nonelectrolytic character of complexes is demonstrated by the obtained low molar conductance values.

3.9. Biological Activity

3.9.1. Antimicrobial Activity

Biological activity of the synthesized compounds was tested for the DMPTHP ligand and its M(II) complexes. We have used more than one research organism to assess the antimicrobial efficiency of these substances to estimate the possibility that antibiotic principles have been detected in the sample. The DMPTHP ligand’s antimicrobial activity and its metal complexes were tested using diffusion agar technique [48, 70, 71]. The tool used for population growth was nutrient agar. Table 4 and Figures 3 and 4 show the results of the antimicrobial behavior of free DMPTHP and its complexes. It can be inferred from the antibacterial test data that

(i)The N and S system of DMPTHP ligand donors is designed to inhibit enzyme development because these enzymes are particularly likely to inactivation by metal ions of complexes(ii)DMPTHP ligand and its complexes have antibacterial activity due to the presence of toxophorically essential imine groups (-C = N) where the mode of action of these compounds could include formation of H-bonds via the azomethine group with an active center of cell constituents causing interference with normal cell processes [72](iii)In vitro biocidal ligand experiments on coordination with M(II) ion with all strains of microorganisms under similar test conditions were significantly improved. Chelation that decreases polarity of M(II) by neutralizing positive metal ion charge with ligand-donor groups can explain antibacterial growth [73]. As a result of chelation, the lipophilicity and hydrophobic nature of the ligand increases, making it more easier to permeate through lipid layers of cells membrane causing deactivation of enzymes responsible for the respiratory process and blocking of protein synthesis, thereby limiting the growth of the organism.(iv)The data show that the complexes were more toxic to G⁺ than G⁻ strains due to the difference in bacterial cell wall structure [74](v)Most substances may have a standard drug activity similar to ampicillin. The antibacterial activity of compounds against selected bacterial forms can be ordered as (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) > (Zn(DMPTHP)) > DMPTHP, thereby indicating an improvement in lipophilic behavior.(vi)DMPTHP’s biological function is based on their ability to chelate metal ions because of the presence of hydrazo, imine, and thione groups(vii)The synthesized compounds have no antifungal activity versus Aspergillus flavus(viii)The antifungal activity of compounds against Candida albicans obeyed this order: (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) > ampicillin > (Zn(DMPTHP)) > DMPTHP

Table 4: Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized compounds.

Compound
Gram positive
Gram negative
Fungi

Staphylococcus aureus
Bacillus subtilis
Escherichia coli
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Aspergillus flavus
Candida albicans

DMPTHP
16
10
13
9
—
15

Cd-DMPTHP
20
18
19
17
—
22

Zn-DMPTHP
18
14
15
13
—
18

Ampicillin
21
26
25
28
—
—

Amphotericin B
—
—
—
—
17
21

Ampicillin, standard antibacterial agent; amphotericin B, standard antifungal agent.

Figure 3: Antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds.

Figure 4: Antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds.

3.9.2. Bioactivity and Physicochemical Properties of Synthesized Compounds

Dipolar moment can provide a description of the substances hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity. Studies of SAR have shown that complex dipole moment is inversely related to their bioactivity versus the tested bacterial strains. As the dipole moment decreases, polarity increases through lipophilicity that enhances its permeation more effectively through the microorganism’s lipid layer [59], thus more violently destroying them. As tabulated in Table 1, (Cd (DMPTHP) Cl) has a lower dipole moment (μ = 2.63). It therefore has greater biological activity and lipophilic nature than the other compounds.

Therefore, this sequence of synthesized compounds (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) > (Zn(DMPTHP)) > DMPTHP represents the order of lipophilicity, which in turn facilitates cytoplasmic membrane penetration and disables the essential enzymes of the microorganisms tested for respiration processes. Lower values of the dipole moment thus help increasing the antibacterial activity.

(Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) complex with the lowest energy values of HOMO (EH = −3.47) and the highest energy values of LUMO (EL = −1.98) among the synthesized compounds showed high activity vs. the investigated bacterial strains. This corresponds to the values provided in the literature [75].

3.9.3. Antioxidant Activity

Recently, antioxidants have a great interest in medical purposes. DPPH• is a stable, free radical used in chemical analysis to detect radical scavenge behaviors [76] in contrast to other methods in a relatively short time [77]. The compounds antioxidant activity is related to their electron or radical hydrogen release ability to DPPH leading to the formation of stable diamagnetic molecules [77]. Thus, absorbance of DPPH• diminishes by its interaction with antioxidants as the color changes from purple to yellow. Therefore, DPPH• is usually used for assessing the antioxidant activity as a substrate [78]. The maximum absorption of a stable DPPH• was at 517 nm in EtOH. The decrease in absorption of radicals of DPPH at 517 nm may therefore be calculated as a consequence of its reduction [77]. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds can be evidenced by decreasing the initial concentration of DPPH• radical in solution. The synthesized compounds showed an enhanced behavior as a radical scavenger compared to the standard ascorbic acid scavenging capacity.

Such findings suggest that the antioxidant function of ligands is enhanced by complexity like previous studies in literature [79, 80]. In addition, with the rise in their concentrations, the free radical activity of the free DMPTHP ligand and their M(II) complexes is increasing. These compounds are free radical inhibitors based on the results of this research (Table 5). This can limit the human body’s free radical harm. The antioxidant activity of the studied compounds referred to the presence (C  =  N)azomethine, SH, and hydrazo groups [81].

Table 5: DPPH activity.

Compound
Concentration (μg/ml)
DPPH scavenging activity (%)

DMPTHP
50
86.11

100
87.32

150
90.51

200
92.67

Zn-DMPTHP
50
88.11

100
89.32

150
91.51

200
92.52

Cd-DMPTHP
50
93.8

100
94.9

150
95.4

200
95.7

Ascorbic acid
50
96.8

100
97.09

150
97.6

200
97.8

DPPH, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.

3.9.4. Antioxidant Activity and Physicochemical Properties of Synthesized Compounds

The orbital energies of HOMO and LUMO are closely linked to antioxidants’ free radical scavenging activities [82, 83]. The HOMO energy is directly linked to the ionization potential, which suggests the molecule’s sensitivity to electrophilic attack, while the LUMO energy is related to the electron affinity, which indicates the molecule’s susceptibility to nucleophilic attack [84]. Nucleophiles and electrophiles, respectively, have high-energy HOMO and low-energy LUMO. Electron donating atoms have high HOMO with a loose hold of valence electron, which makes them oxidable [85]. Electrons can quickly be lost by low-ionizing energy compounds and are thus likely to be involved in chemical reactions. Compounds with high EHOMO and low ELUMO values and a lower energy gap (EG) are known as good species releasing electron. In this study, the powerful antioxidants of M(II) complexes have the lowest ΔE values (ΔE = 2.63–2.76) compared to (ΔE = 3.55) for the free DMPTHP ligand under consideration, reflecting their high electron release affinities [86]. The synthesized antioxidant compounds are in the following order: (Cd(DMPTHP)Cl) > (Zn(DMPTHP)) > DMPTHP.

3.10. Docking Studies

In drug development, docking plays a significant role in determining the appropriate molecular scaffolding and in deciding the target protein selectivity. The obtained docking results of interaction for DMPTHP as a representative example with the specific protein of the target organism are represented graphically in Figures 5–7. The protein was prepared for docking studies by assigning of H-bond state of the receptors and removal of H₂O molecules. The MOE alpha site finder was used for the active sites search in the enzyme.

(a)

(b)

Figure 5: (a and b) 2D representations of the binding patterns of DMPTHP for inhibition to 1NEK protein of E. coli and 3HB5 protein of Homo sapiens, respectively.

(a)

(b)

Figure 6: (a) 3D molecular interaction of DMPTHP for inhibition to 1NEK protein of E. coli. (b) 3D molecular interaction of DMPTHP for inhibition to 1NEK of E. coli inside the core on the protein surface.

(a)

(b)

Figure 7: (a) 3D molecular interaction of DMPTHP for inhibition to 3HB5 protein of Homo sapiens. (b) 3D molecular interaction of DMPTHP for inhibition to 3HB5 of Homo sapiens inside the core on the protein surface.

Docking protocol was verified by redocking of the cocrystallized ligand in the vicinity of the active site of the protein with the energy score (S).

The extent of interaction between the DMPTHP ligand and different protein can be measured by the value of the docking S-score in kcal/mol with active sites residue as follows:

(i)For inhibitor binding to E. coli For inhibitor binding to 1NEK protein of E. coli Pose (I) (−8.5665 kcal/mol) > pose (II) (−7.9073 kcal/mol) > pose (III) (−7.7547 kcal/mol) > pose (IV) (−7.5662 kcal/mol)(ii)For inhibitor binding to 3HB5 protein of breast cancer Pose (I) (−6.5507 kcal/mol) > pose (II) (−6.2346 kcal/mol) > pose (III) (−6.1535 kcal/mol) > pose (IV) (−6.1066 kcal/mol)

Lead to optimization of newly synthesized DMPTHP as antibacterial agents selection acts on highly resistant strains of E. coli and also as an anticancer agent had been confirmed and clarified via the molecular modeling as follows:

(1)Careful studying of the structural activity relationship (SAR) of the biologically tested compound and its chemical structure as an antibacterial and antitumor agent(2)Compound DMPTHP has the following essential features necessary for high biological activities

(a)DMPTHP directed to bind target enzymes(b)Nonplanar structures as confirmed using the DFT method via different many hydrogen bonding centers that allow careful fitting, while the nonplanar structure allows the molecule to introduce itself between building blocks of target enzymes causing conformational changes and inhibition to enzymes

3.11. Equilibrium Studies

Protonation constants of the DMPTHP ligand are calculated. This DMPTHP ligand behaves as a tetraprotic as shown in equations (16)–(19). All results are given in Tables 6–9.

Table 6: Protonation constants for the DMPTHP ligand and stability constants for the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with the DMPTHP ligand at 0.1 mol·L⁻¹ NaNO₃ at different temperatures.

Reaction
p
q
r
log β (±σ)a

15°C
25°C
35°C

L + H = HLa
0
1
1
8.51 (0.02)
8.31 (0.09)
8.11 (0.04)

L + 2H = H₂L
0
1
2
11.88 (0.04)
11.58 (0.05)
11.31 (0.04)

L + 3H = H₃L
0
1
3
15.65 (0.05)
15.24 (0.03)
14.88 (0.03)

Zn + L = ZnL
1
1
0
8.82 (0.06)
8.73 (0.07)
8.632 (0.04)

Zn + 2L = ZnL₂
1
2
0
11.24 (0.06)
11.09 (0.04)
10.94 (0.09)

Cd + L = CdL₂
1
1
0
10.19 (0.08)
10.03 (0.04)
9.92 (0.05)

Cd + 2L = CdL₂
1
2
0
13.41 (0.05)
13.18 (0.04)
13.01 (0.06)

a(σ) is the standard deviation; definitions of stability constants: ; ; L = thiosemicarbazone ligand. Charges are omitted for clarity.

Table 7: Stepwise stability for the complexes of DMPTHP with Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal ions in 50% DMSO-H₂O (V/V) solution at I = 0.1 mol·dm⁻³ NaNO₃.

Temperature (°C)
log K₁ (±σ)a
log K₂ (±σ)
log K₁ − log K₂

ZnL
CdL
ZnL₂
CdL₂
Zn(II) complex
Cd(II) complex

15
8.82 (0.06)
10.19 (0.05)
2.42 (0.08)
3.22 (0.05)
6.40
6.97

25
8.73 (0.07)
10.03 (0.03)
2.36 (0.05)
3.15 (0.04)
6.37
6.88

35
8.63 (0.04)
9.92 (0.06)
2.31 (0.07)
3.09 (0.06)
6.32
6.83

a(σ) is the standard deviation; definitions of stability constants: K₁ = [ML]/[M][L]; K₂ = [ML₂]/[ML][L]; L = DMPTHP. Charges are omitted for simplicity.

Table 8: Thermodynamic parameters for the protonation of the ligand (DMPTHP) in 50% DMSO-H₂O (V/V) solution at I = 0.1 mol·dm⁻³ NaNO₃.

Parametera
Reaction

L + H = HLa
L + 2H = H₂L
L + 3H = H₃L

288
293
298
288
293
298
288
293
298

46.95
47.44
47.85
20.88
20.89
21.06
18.59
18.67
18.88

−ΔH
33.99
17.01
14.47

ΔS
44.99
13.09
14.16

ΔG, Gibbs energy/kJ·mol⁻¹; ΔH, enthalpy/kJ·mol⁻¹; ΔS, entropy/J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹.

Table 9: Thermodynamic parameters for Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes in 50% DMSO-H₂O (V/V) solution at I = 0.1 mol·dm⁻³ NaNO₃.

Parametera
Reaction

Zn + L = ZnL
Zn + 2L = ZnL₂
Cd + L = CdL
Cd + 2L = CdL₂

288
293
298
288
293
298
288
293
298
288
293
298

−ΔG
48.66
49.84
50.92
13.35
13.47
13.63
56.22
57.26
58.53
17.77
17.98
18.23

−ΔH
16.14
9.36
22.99
11.06

ΔS
112.77
13.84
115.19
23.26

ΔG, Gibbs energy/kJ·mol⁻¹; ΔH, enthalpy/kJ·mol⁻¹; ΔS, entropy/J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹.

The 1st protonation constant correspond to the thiolate group protonation, while the 2nd and 3rd protonation constants correspond to the protonation of the two N-imino sites in the DMPTHP ligand.

The log KN-imino values (Table 6) ranges from 3.20 to 3.77 are similar to those found in the literature for the imino group (4.40) [87]. The log KSH value ranges from 8.11 to 8.51 are similar to those described in the literature for hydrazo moiety (5.5–5.90) [88].

The ligand titration curves (DMPTHP) were measured in the presence and absence of Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺ ions and compared. The titration curves are located below the ligand curve due to the H⁺ release by displacement of Mn+ during complex formation. Table 7 shows that log K₁−log K₂ typically has some positive values because metal ion coordination sites are free to bind the 1st ligand than the 2nd ligand. The Cd(II) compounds have greater stability constants with DMPTHP than those with Zn(II) compounds. This is because the softer Cd(II) interacts more than harder Zn(II) with relatively soft sulfur atoms [87, 89].

Figure 8 shows a concentration distribution diagram for the complex Zn(II)-DMPTHP. The 110 complex species of DMPTHP with Zn(II) begins to form in acidic pH range and reaches a steady concentration of 99.9% at pH = 5.8, whereas Zn(DMPTHP)₂ complex species reaches a maximum concentration of 17% at pH 9.6.

Figure 8: Concentration distribution of various species as a function of pH in the Zn-DMPTHP system (at concentrations of 1.25 mol·dm⁻³ for Zn(II) and 1.25 mol·dm⁻³ for DMPTHP) at 25°C and I = 0.1 mol·dm⁻³ NaNO₃.

3.12. Thermodynamics

The data derived for ΔHo, ΔSo, and ΔGo associated with protonation of DMPTHP and its complex formation with Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal ions were calculated from the given data in Tables 6 and 7. Enthalpy change (ΔH) for ligand protonation or the complexation process was determined from plot slope (log K vs. 1/T) (Figures 9 and 10) through the graphical representation of the van’t Hoff equation.

or

Figure 9: Effect of temperature on the protonation constant of DMPTHP.

Figure 10: Effect of temperature on the formation constant of Zn(II)-DMPTHP complexes.

With the well-known relations (20) and (21), from the values of free energy change (ΔG) and enthalpy change (ΔH), one can deduce the entropy change (ΔS):

The main reasons for the protonation constant determination can be explained as follows:

(1)Protonation constants can be used in determination of the pH and ratio of the various forms of a substance(2)A newly synthesized compound can also supply structural details. The suggested structure can be reliable where protonation constants are theoretically well calculated according to the experimental values.(3)Because different types of substances have different UV spectrums, quantitative spectrophotometric analysis can be performed by choosing the appropriate pH value. To choose the pH values, the known protonation constants are required.(4)Protonation constants are required for buffer solutions preparation at different pH values [48, 90](5)Therefore, the measurements of the stability constants for the complicated formation of bioactive ion compounds include protonation constants to be determined Additionally, their protonation constants are used for calculating the stability constants of the dynamic formation of bioactive compounds with metal ions [91](6)The equilibrium constants of certain compounds must be understood to measure the concentration of each ionized species at pH to understand their physiochemical behavior [92]. The protonation constants of the newly synthesized compounds were thus calculated by this study. Table 8 describes the thermodynamic functions measured and can be interpreted as follows:

(1)The corresponding thermodynamic processes for the protonation reactions are as follows:

(i)Neutralization reaction is an exothermic process(ii)Ions desolvation is an endothermic process(iii)Structure alteration and H-bonds alignment in free and protonated ligands

(2)When the temperature rises, the value of pKH decreases and its acidity rises(3)Negative ∆Ho for DMPTHP protonation means its interaction is followed by release of heat(4)DMPTHP’s protonation reaction has a positive entropy, which could be due to increased disorder due to desolvation processes and breakdown of H-bonds

Table 7 includes the step-by-step stability constants of the complexes formed at various temperatures. Such values decrease and confirm that the complexation is preferred at low temperature. These results provide the following findings:

(1)Negative ∆Go for complexation (Table 9), indicating the spontaneity of the coordination process(2)The coordinating process is exothermic with −ve ∆Ho, i.e., the complexation reaction is preferred at low temperatures(3)It is commonly found that ∆Go and ∆Ho values for the 1 : 1 complexes are more negative than that of 1 : 2 complexes, indicating a change in this ligand’s dentate character from tridentate in 1 : 1 chelates to bidentate in 1 : 2. M : L chelates and steric hindrance are generated by addition of the 2nd molecule.(4)The electrostatic attraction in the 1 : 1 complex is greater than in the 1 : 2 complex due to the 1 : 1 complex being formed by the interaction between the dipositively charged metal ion and the mononegatively charged ligand anion. While the 1 : 2 complex is generated by the monopositively charged 1 : 1 complex and mononegatively charged ligand anion interactions.(5)The ∆So values for all investigated complexes are positive due to the release of bound solvent molecules on coordination is greater than the decrease results from the coordination process itself.

4. Conclusion

The condensation reaction of 1-(p-tolylhydrazono)-propan-2-one (PTHP) with N,N-dimethylthiosemicarbazide in the molar ratio (1 : 1) provided the corresponding (E)-N,N-dimethyl-2-((E)-1-(2-(p-tolyl)hydrazono)-propan-2-ylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (DMPTHP) compound. The IR spectra showed that, after deprotonation via the two azomethine nitrogen atoms and the thiolate sulfur atom, the DMPTHP compound presents in the thione form in the solid state and coordinated to the metal(II) ion as a tridentate anion. M(II) complexes are nonelectrolytes with a distorted tetrahedral structure. The antibacterial and antimicrobial testing data show that a newly generated compound is a moderately to highly antimicrobial agent. Inverse correlation exists between dipole moment and synthesized compounds’ behavior against the studied bacterial and fungal organisms, as stated by SAR studies. The relationship between morphological and biological characteristics has been studied, which can assist in the production of more effective antibacterial agents. Potentiometric studies have shown that DMPTHP forms complexes 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 with ions Zn(II) and Cd(II). Comparison of Zn(II) and Cd(II) stability constants with DMPTHP shows that DMPTHP stability constants with Cd(II) are higher than Zn(II) constants. The log K₁ and −ΔH₁, for M(II) DMPTHP complexes are larger than log K₂ and −ΔH₂, demonstrating alteration of the DMPTHP dentate character from tridentate in 1 : 1 chelates to bidentate in 1 : 2; M : DMPTHP chelates and steric hindrance is generated by addition of 2nd molecule. DMPTHP may be viewed from the biological perspective, as it constitutes a highly stable compound, as a possible antidote to Cd2 + ion.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available in the microanalytical center, Cairo University, Egypt. The telephone number of this center is 00201001010194.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the authors, therefore, acknowledge with thanks the DSR technical and financial support.

Supplementary Materials

The bond length (Å) and bond angles (°) of DMPTHP were calculated using the DFT method. Selected bond length (Å) and bond angles of (Zn(DMPTHP)Cl) were also calculated. Data are given in Tables S1–S4. (Supplementary Materials)

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