Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of N,N '-bis(salicylaldehydo)ethylenediimine complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)

Microwave chemistry is a green chemical method that improves reaction conditions and product yields while reducing solvent amounts and reaction times. The main aim of this article is to synthesize the tetradentate N2O2 ligand [HO(Ar)CH=N-(CH2)(2)-N=CH(Ar)OH] and manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and zinc(II) complexes of the type ML by classical and microwave techniques. The resulting Schiff base and its complexes are characterized by H-1 NMR, infrared, elemental analysis, and electronic spectral data. The ligand and its Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes were further identified by X-ray diffraction and mass spectra to confirm the structure. The results suggest that the metal is bonded to the ligand through the phenolic oxygen and the imino nitrogen.