Derivatized-Artemether complexes of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) transition metals: Synthesis, characterisation and antimicrobial studies.

Eugene-Osoikhia, T. T.,^1* Okunade, R. F.¹ and Ayeni, F.²

 

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

* Corresponding author: kemitunmise@yahoo.co.uk +2348030487007

 

 Abstract:  The need for further structure-activity relationships of artemether (ART), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin has led to formation of its 3,5-dinitrobenzoylchloride derivatives (DA), and the incorporation of transition metals into its organic pharmacophores to enhance its biological activity and bioavailability. The DA and its Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) transition metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by percentage metal analysis, melting points, infrared spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopies. The Infrared spectral data established that DA acts as a bidentate ligand bonding through the two nitro oxygen atoms. The electronic spectral data indicated that the metal (II) complexes have octahedral geometries. The in-vitro antimicrobial studies carried out against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli (Extended spectrum beta lactamase strain), Escherichia coli (Enteropathogenicdiarrheagenic strain), Alcagenes faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus showed enhancement in antimicrobial activities due to coordination to metals with the nickel complex [Ni(DA)₂.(H₂O)₂] exhibiting the greatest activity in all the organisms tested.

 

Keywords. Derivatized-artemether, spectroscopy, bidentate ligand, antimicrobial