A short review on chemistry of schiff base metal complexes and their catalytic application

Schiff bases and their complexes are flexible compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds and extensively used for industrial purposes and also show a broad range of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-HIV, anthelminthic and antipyretic properties. Many Schiff base complexes show excellent catalytic activity in various reactions and in the presence of moisture. Over the past few years, there have been many reports on their applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The high thermal and moisture stabilities of many Schiff base complexes were useful attributes for their application as catalysts in reactions involving at high temperatures. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behavior. Development of a new chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists. This review compiles the various synthesis procedures and application of Schiff bases and their metal complexes.