Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DNA Binding, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Activities of Two Chiral Copper(II) Complexes

Two chiral copper(II) complexes [Cu(L)2Cl]Cl (1) and [Cu(L)2Br]Br (2) {L = N‐[(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)imino]dehydroabietylamine} have been synthesized and fully characterized. The coordination geometry of the CuII ions in 1 and 2 can be described as an intermediate between square‐pyramidal and trigonal‐bipyramidal. DNA binding studies suggest that the complexes interact with salmon‐sperm DNA through intercalation, and 2 exhibits a higher binding affinity. The new complexes were screened for their antibacterial and cytotoxic ability. They have similar cytotoxic activity and they represent the first rosin‐derivative‐based simple Schiff base complexes with strong anticancer potential. Two chiral copper(II) Schiff base complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized. They interact with DNA through an intercalation mode and have strong anticancer potential.