Synthesis and spectral studies of [RuCl(CO)(L)(PPh 3)(B)] (HL = 2′-hydroxychalcones and B = PPh 3, pyridine or piperidine) and their catalytic and biological applications

The reactions of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh 3) 2(B)] (B = PPh 3, pyridine or piperidine) and 2′-hydroxychalcones led to the formation of [RuCl(CO)(PPh 3)(L)(B)] (L = chalconate). The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, electronic, 1H NMR and 31P NMR) data. They have been assigned an octahedral structure. The complexes have been used as catalysts for the aerial oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol. Some of the complexes have been tested in vitro for growth inhibitory activity against the bacteria E. coli, S. typhi and Pseudomonas sp. and the fungi A. fumigatus.