Synthesis, X-ray structures and biological properties of palladium(II) complexes of 1,2-dimethylimidazole and benzimidazole

Abstract

Three palladium(II) complexes (1–3) with imidazole derivatives; 1,2-dimethylimidazole, benzimidazole and 2-phenylimidazole were prepared and characterized by thermal and spectral analyses. The crystal structures for two of them (1 and 2) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The palladium(II) ion in both complexes is bound to two nitrogen atoms of imidazoles and two chloride ions at trans positions, adopting a nearly regular square planar geometry. The complexes were screened for various biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The biological activities of the complexes are more effective as compared to the respective ligands. The complexes exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities but they were not good as antioxidants. However, their antidiabetic effects with respect to the standard are significant.