A series of nanosized Cu(II) complexes based on sulfonamide azo dye ligands: An insight into complexes molecular structures, antimicrobial, antitumor and catalytic performance for oxidative dimerization of 2‐aminophenol

The two azo dye ligands named 4‐(2,4‐dihydroxy‐5‐formylphen‐1‐ylazo)‐N‐thiazol‐2‐yl‐benzenesulfon amide (H3TPBS) and 4‐(2,4‐dihydroxy‐phenylazo)‐N‐(3,4‐dimethyl‐1,2‐oxazol‐5 yl)benzenesulfonamide (H3IPBS) were employed for the synthesis of a series of Cu(II) chelates through the reaction of the ligands with Cu(II) salts of different anions. Full structure affirmation of all complexes has been done. Analytical results confirmed the formation of the metal chelates in the molar ratio 2:1 (M:L). Ultraviolet–visible spectra and magnetic moment proved the formation of complexes in square planar and square pyramidal geometries. Antimicrobic activity of the synthesized complexes has been assigned and compared with their parent ligands and also compared with standard antibiotic drugs showing enhanced activity over both the ligands and the standard drugs. The antitumor efficacy of the complexes has been also evaluated contra the two cell lines A‐549 cells (human Lung cancer cell line) and Panc‐1 (Pancreatic carcinoma) and compared with the standard drug Vinblastine. Additionally, The Cu(II) chelates were examined for their activity in oxidation coupling of o‐aminophenol (OAP) to 2‐aminophenoxazine‐3‐one (APX) in DMF solvent in open air atmosphere. The examined complexes afforded low to relatively high efficiency with TOF number from 0.27–78.12 h−1 with increased activity for complexes 1, 3, 5 and 7 incorporating Cl− or NO3− anions in their first coordination sphere. Eight novel Cu(II) complexes based on sulfonamide azo ligands have been synthesized. Successful structure elucidation of the Cu(II) complexes have been done. Evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer activity of the synthesized ligands and their complexes. The catalytic activity of Cu(II) chelates in oxidation coupling of o‐aminophenol (OAP) to 2‐aminophenoxazine‐3‐one (APX) in DMF solvent in open air atmosphere has been investigated.