Abstract

Complexes of Copper(II) and Cobalt(II) derived from the ligand Phenylalanine were synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectra, FT-IR spectroscopy, melting point and solubility studies. The results indicate Cu(II) was light pink, Co(II) deep blue and melted within the range of 76-170oC. The solubility test on the ligand and its metal(II) complexes revealed their solubility in ethanol, 1,2-propandiol, DMSO and chloroform. The FT-IR spectra revealed the presence of C=N, N-O, O-H, C-C, C=C, C=N, N-H, C-H, C=O, C-N and C-O which implies that the ligand is a bidentate ligand coordinating via the azomethine Nitrogen and the phenolic Oxygen. The ligand and complexes were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumonia strains. The result of microbial screening showed that the complexes had moderate antimicrobial activity and the complexes were more active than the ligand.