Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of mixed ligand Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes

Complexes of the type [ML'L(OH)(H2O)], where M = Ni(II), Co(II) or Mn(II), L' = isatin and HL = 3-(2-phenylhydrazono)acetylacetone, 3-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)hydrazono)acetylacetone or 3-(2-(4-bromophenyl)hydrazono)-acetylacetone, were synthesized by equimolar reaction of a metal(II) chloride with isatin and a 3-(2-arylhydrazono)acetylacetone. The resulting complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, spectral data (IR and mass spectrometry) and magnetic moments. Furthermore, the ligands and their metal complexes were screened for their cytotoxicity against different human cancer cell lines using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results showed that most of the mixed ligand metal complexes have high cytotoxicity in comparison with the reference drugs used.