Pyrazole Derived Cationic Surfactants and their Tin and Copper Complexes: Synthesis, Surface Activity, Antibacterial and Antifungal Efficacy

Five membered heterocyclic cationic 3-pyrazolium surfactants namely: 2-[2-(alkyloxy)-2-oxoethyl]-3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-3-pyrazolium bromide (decyl-; dodecyl-) and their copper and tin complexes were synthesized, their structures were confirmed using different spectroscopic tools. The IR spectra of the metal complexes showed that these compounds exhibit a tetrahedron structure with the transition metal ion (M2+) at the center and the cationic ligands arranged in the apexes, while the halide ions in the center. The synthesized compounds were evaluated as biocides against different types of bacteria and fungi. The biological activity data showed that the cationic surfactants exhibit moderate to high efficacy against the tested microorganisms (either bacteria or fungi). While, complexation of these cationic surfactants with Cu (II) and Sn (II) ions the antimicrobial activity was strongly increased. The surface activity of these compounds were discussed and correlated to their chemical structure and the type of substituents on the heterocyclic moiety. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial assay was correlated to the surface activities of the synthesized compounds.