Five-coordinate Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes containing pentadentate N(3)O(2) Schiff base ligands [1A](2-) and [1B](2-) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal five coordinate structures in which each metal ion is bound by two imine N-donors, two phenolate O-donors, and a single amine N-donor. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies suggest that the N(3)O(2) coordination spheres of [Cu(1A)] and [Cu(1B)] are retained in CH(2)Cl(2) solution and solid-state superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometric studies confirm that [Ni(1A)] and [Ni(1B)] adopt high spin (S = 1) configurations. Each complex exhibits two reversible oxidation processes between +0.05 and +0.64 V vs [Fc](+)/[Fc]. The products of one- and two-electron oxidations have been studied by UV/vis spectroelectrochemistry and by EPR spectroscopy which confirm that each oxidation process for the Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes is ligand-based with sequential formation of mono- and bis-phenoxyl radical species. In contrast, the one-electron oxidation of the Ni(II) complexes generates Ni(III) products. This assignment is supported by spectroelectrochemical and EPR spectroscopic studies, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the single crystal X-ray structure of [Ni(1A)][BF(4)] which contains Ni in a five-coordinate distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry.

This report highlights the synthesis and characterization of ten new bis(N‐picolinamido)cobalt(II) complexes of the type [(L)2CoX2]0/2+, whereby L=N‐picolinamide ligand and X=diisothiocyanato (−NCS), dichlorido (−Cl) or diaqua (−OH2) ligands. Single crystal X‐ray (SC‐XRD) analysis for nine of the structures are reported and confirm the picolinamide ligand is bound to the Co(II) center through a neutral N,O binding mode. With the addition of powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), we have confirmed the cis and trans ligand arrangements of each complex. All complexes were screened against several fungal species and show increased antifungal activity. Notably, these complexes had significant activity against strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, with several compounds exhibiting growth inhibition of >80 %, and onecompound inhibiting Aspergillus fumigatus hyphal growth by >90 %. Conversely, no antifungal activity was exhibited toward Cryptococcus neoformans and no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cell lines.

This report presents the first known p-cymene ruthenium quinaldamide complexes stabilised by a hydrogen-bridging atom, which are cytotoxic and show induced cancer cell death by apoptosis.

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