Explorations on the synthesis, structure, DFT, DNA binding properties and molecular docking of tridentate Schiff base Copper (II) complexes

Copper(II) Schiff base complexes of (2-Hydroxy-benzaldehyde)-amino acid have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes' single-crystal X-ray structures were studied, and it was discovered that the 4,4-bipyridine functions as a bidentate bridging ligand connecting two Cu(II) ions. In order to assemble the complicated components into a three-dimensional chain structure and arrange the 4,4-bipyridine molecules into parallel sheets, intermolecular hydrogen bonds are essential. A robust intermolecular hydrogen bond network including water oxygen atoms strengthens the connection between water molecules and phenolate oxygen atoms from the ligand, which is produced from salicylaldehyde. The complexes' interaction with DNA was investigated by UV–Visible, fluorescence and CD spectrophotometric methods, which indicate that the complexes favourably bind to the groove in the DNA. The DNA binding affinity was confirmed by molecular docking. Additionally, DFT calculations were used to determine the stable geometry for these complexes. A thorough understanding of the interactions of these synthesized complexes was achieved through an intensive molecular docking research. These findings show that the complexes have a high affinity for DNA binding and considerable groove binding. Notably, Complex 1 showed a greater affinity for DNA than Complex 2.