Abstract:A new series of Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II), complexes were prepared with ligand derived by condensation of 2,4-dihydroxyactophenone, o-phenylinediamine, anisaldehyde with o-phthalaldehyde. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were characterized on the basis of various spectroscopic investigation like IR, 1 H NMR, Photoluminescence and thermal analyses. The geometry of the complexes was confirmed by electronic spectra, magnetic moment measurements and ESR analysis. The Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes have also been studied for their plasmid (pUC18) DNA cleavage activity.