Nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with an N-pendent dimethyl derivative of an octamethyl macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies

Interaction of CH 3 I with L (3,10-C-meso-Me 8 [14]diene) in the ratio of 4:1 in ethanolic solution at room temperature yielded N-pendent dimethyl derivative [(L-2H)(–CH 3 ) 2 ] denoted by L Z . Interaction of nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate with L Z and subsequent addition of NaClO 4 ·6H 2 O produced square planar orange-yellow product, [NiL Z ](ClO 4 ) 2 . The reaction of copper(II) perchlorate hexahydrate with L Z afforded four coordinated square planar red [CuL Z ](ClO 4 ) 2. However, on the reaction of zinc(II) nitrate hexahydrate with L Z furnished white six coordinated two distereoisomeric complexes [ZnL Zα (NO 3 ) 2 ] and [ZnL Zβ (NO 3 ) 2 ]. Axial addition reactions on four coordinated square planar [NiL Z ](ClO 4 ) 2 with KX (X= SCN, NO 3 , Cl, Br or I) and NaNO 2 resulted in six coordinated octahedral and square pyramidal axial addition products, such as [NiL Z (NCS) 2 ], [NiL Z (NO 3 )(ClO 4 )], [NiL Z Cl(ClO 4 )], [NiL Z Br 2 ], [NiL Z I 2 ] and [NiL Z (NO 2 )](ClO 4 ), respectively. However axial substitution reactions on [ZnL Zα (NO 3 ) 2 ] with KY (Y= SCN, Cl or Br) and NaNO 2 produced six coordinated octahedral axial substitution products [ZnL Zα (NCS) 2 ], [ZnL Zα Cl 2 ], [ZnL Zα Br 2 ] and [ZnL Zα (NO 2 ) 2 ]. Similarly, the axial substitution reactions on [ZnL Zβ (NO 3 ) 2 ] with KI and NaClO 4 .6H 2 O resulted in six coordinated octahedral axial substitution products [ZnL Zβ I 2 ] and [ZnL Zβ (H 2 O) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 , respectively. The compounds have been characterized by analytical, spectroscopic, magnetochemical and conductivity data. The antimicrobial activities of the new ligand and its complexes have been tested against different micro pathogens. Graphic abstract Nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with an N-pendent dimethyl derivative ligand L Z of an octamethyl tetraazmacrocyclic ligand were prepared. The compounds were characterized by different analytical and spectroscopic methods. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds against some bacteria and fungi were also investigated.