Schiff bases and their metal Complexes: A review on the history, synthesis, and applications

[Display omitted] •Different types of Schiff base metal complexes were studied.•Progress in the synthesis of Schiff base and their metallic complexation is summarized.•A detailed survey of metal-Schiff base complexes for applications.•Providing an overview of current metal-Schiff base complex usage. Schiff base metallic complexes have received significant attention in the scientific community for their unique properties and versatile applications across various fields, including industry and biology. These complexes display various biological activities, including antiviral, cytostatic, antibacterial, anticancer, and antifungal properties. In addition, they possess exceptional catalytic activity for a wide range of compounds. This review provides a comprehensive study of the history, chemistry, synthesis, and various applications of Schiff-base ligand-based metallic complexes, emphasizing their biological and catalytic applications. The review highlights the current state of the research and future directions in the field, making it a valuable resource for researchers and professionals in the inorganic chemistry field.