Naringenin Schiff base: antioxidant activity, acid–base profile, and interactions with DNA

Abstract

A Schiff base derived from naringenin (NTSC) and its complex with Cu(II) ([Cu(H3L)(OAc)]·H2O, Cu(II)–NTSC) have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. EPR studies confirmed that nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur are the donor atoms bound to Cu(II) in the complex. The geometry of the complex has been modelled using DFT methods. Furthermore, naringenin and NTSC were used for the formation of Cu(II) complexes in solution, for comparison of biological activities. Antioxidant studies confirmed better radical scavenging activity of both NTSC and its Cu(II) complex compared to naringenin. The interaction of these compounds with calf thymus DNA was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy.