Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of copper(II) and iron(III) complexes with sodium barbitone in selected pathogens

Objectives

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance has increased the search for potent therapeutic agents, such as metal-based transition compounds with biological activities. Therefore, this study aims to examine therapeutic compounds of barbitone complexes with copper(II) and iron(III) ions against Salmonella Typhi, Pseudomonas glycinea, Ralstonia solanacearum, Erwinia carotovora, Streptococcus faecalis (bacterial pathogens) and Serpula lacrymans, Trichophyton verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum (fungal strains). Materials and Methods: The metal complexes were synthesized by reacting copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate and iron(III) chloride hexahydrate with sodium barbitone using stoichiometric metal-ligand ratios (1:1 and 1:2) in a water-methanol medium. The complexes were characterized by melting points, solubility, color, and gravimetric analysis. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Infrared spectroscopic methods were used to establish the mode of coordination at the metal center.