Synthesis, crystal and solution structures and antimicrobial screening of palladium(II) complexes with 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxolane and 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxane as ligands

Two novel Pd(II) complexes with 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxolane and 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxane as ligands were synthesized. The crystal and molecular structure of the complexes has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It turned out for both complexes that the two ligands are coordinated to Pd via Se atoms in a trans-fashion and the other two trans-positions are occupied by Cl ions. Detailed 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses revealed the existence of equilibrating trans-diastereomeric species differing in the configuration at four chiral centers (selenium and carbon) in the solution of the complexes. A computational study was also undertaken to assess the relative stabilities of the mentioned stereoisomeric species. The antimicrobial properties of the complexes were investigated against a series of human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The complexes were shown to possess promising broad spectrum moderate antimicrobial activity that is more pronounced against fungal organisms. The noted activity could be completely attributed to the Pd(II) center, whereas the ligands probably mediate the transportation of a Pd(II) species across cell membranes. Two novel Pd(II) complexes with 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxolane and 2-(phenylselanylmethyl)oxane as ligands were synthesized. The structures were confirmed by determination of their crystal structure. Their antimicrobial properties were investigated against a series of microorganisms including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, whereas the antifungal activity was tested against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. [Display omitted] •Crystal and solution structures of Pd(II) complexes with organoselenium ligands were determined.•Antibacterial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains was investigated.•The complexes have expressed pronounced fungicidal effect against Candida albicans.