Synthesis, thermal characterization, and antimicrobial activity of lanthanum, cerium, and thorium complexes of amino acid Schiff base ligand

Metal complexes of La(III), Ce(IV), and Th(IV), with the amino Schiff base ligand, [N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-methionine acid](H₃L), were prepared in the presence of triethylamine as a deprotonating agent. All synthesized compounds were identified and confirmed by mass spectra, elemental analyses, molar conductivities, and spectral analyses (UV-Visible, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³CNMR). Conductance measurements suggest the non-electrolytic nature and the complexes were isolated in 1:1 ratios. The thermal decomposition of the complexes was discussed in relation to structure. The data from thermogravimetric analysis clearly indicated that the decomposition of the complexes proceeds in four or five steps and the organic part of the complexes decomposed in one or two intermediates. The decomposition of all complexes ended with metal oxide and carbon residue. The Schiff bases and their complexes were screened for their antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal (Aspergillus flavus and Candida Albicans) activities.