Eighteen metal complexes were synthesized by using four different Schiff base ligands,
(1E)-1-((6-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene)carbohydrazide (L1),
6-[2-(salicylidene)hydrazinyl]-N′-(salicylidene)nicotinohydrazide (HL2), 6-hydrazinyl-N′-(6-methyl-
4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-methylene)nicotinohydrazide (HL3) and (E)-6-hydrazinyl-N′-(1-(2,3-dihydro-
1,3-dioxo-1H-inden-2-yl)-ethylidene)pyridine-3-carbohydrazide (L4). Characterization of the metal
complexes were carried out by using various physico-chemical techniques. Complexes 1, 3, 4, 6, 11, 14,
15, 16, 17 and 18 have been found octahedral structures while the metal complexes 2, 5, 8, 10 and 13
have tetrahedral structures. And, complexes 7, 9 and 12 have square planar structures. Thermal study
has revealed the presence of lattice and coordinated water molecules in the complexes. From powder
X-ray diffraction study, it was suggested that a monoclinic system for complexes 2 and 14 while a
triclinic system for the complexes 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 13 and 15. The interaction of the ligands and their
metal complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been studied by electronic absorption, cyclic
voltammetry and viscosity methods.