Synthesis and characterisation of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes of furfural derived from aroylhydrazones bearing aliphatic groups and their interactions with DNA

Abstract

Two new Schiff base-hydrazones bearing furan ring, (Z)-4-butoxy-N'-(furan-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (IV) and (Z)-N'-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-4-(hexyloxy)benzohydrazide (V), as well as their Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesised and characterised. The DNA-binding and DNA-cleavage activities of both aroylhydrazone ligands and their transition metal complexes were examined using UV-VIS titration and agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence of an oxidative agent (H2O2). The results indicate that the copper complexes bind significantly to calf thymus DNA and effectively cleave pBR322 DNA whereas the nickel and zinc complexes interact slightly with DNA.