Synthesis and Characterization of New Mixed-Ligand Complexes; Density Functional Theory, Hirshfeld, and In Silico Assays Strengthen the Bioactivity Performed In Vitro

Abstract

N'-Acetyl-2-cyanoacetohydrazide (H₂L¹) and 2-cyano-N-(6-ethoxybenzo thiazol-2-yl) acetamide (HL²) ligands were used to synthesize [Cr(OAc)(H₂L¹)(HL²)]·2(OAc) and [Mn(H₂L¹)(HL²)]·Cl₂·2H₂O as mixed ligand complexes. All new compounds were analyzed by analytical, spectral, and computational techniques to elucidate their chemical formulae. The bidentate nature was suggested for each coordinating ligand via ON donors. The electronic transitions recorded are attributing to ⁴A₂g(F) → ⁴T₂g(F)(υ₂) and ⁴A₂g(F) → ⁴T₁g(F)(υ₃) types in the octahedral Cr(III) complex, while ⁶A₁ → ⁴T₂(G) and ⁶A₁ → ⁴T₁(G) transitions are attributing to the tetrahedral Mn(II) complex. These complexes were optimized by the density functional theory method to verify the bonding mode which was suggested via N(3), O(8), N(9), and N(10) donors from the mixed-ligands. Hirshfeld crystal models were demonstrated for the two ligands to indicate the distance between the functional groups within the two ligands and supporting the exclusion of self-interaction in between. Finally, the biological activity of the two mixed ligand complexes was tested by in silico ways as well as in vitro ways for confirmation. Three advanced programs were applied to measure the magnitude of biological efficiency of the two complexes toward kinase enzyme (3nzs) and breast cancer proliferation (3hy3). All in silico data suggest the superiority of the Mn(II) complex. Moreover, the in vitro assays for the two complexes that measure their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity support the distinguished activity of the Mn(II) complex.