Comparison of Solid-state and Solution-based Synthetic Reactions of Copper Complexes of two Anti-inflammatory Drugs with their Antibacterial Activity Studies

Abstract

Comparative study of the synthesis of copper complexes [Cu(IBU)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl₂ (1), and [Cu(ASP)₂(CH₃COO)₂] (2) using solvent-free and solvent-based techniques was carried out. Complexes 1 and 2 obtained were characterized using Fourier Transform –Infrared, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopies and powder X-ray Diffractometry analyses. Analysis of spectral data revealed that Ibuprofen and Aspirin coordinated with copper ion through both oxygen atoms of the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, with both ligands acting as bidentate. Two molecules of water coordinated with the copper ion forming an octahedral geometry in 1, with a chloride ion outside the coordination sphere. Two acetate molecules coordinated with copper ion forming an octahedral geometry in 2.  In-vitro antibacterial activity of the complexes was found to be higher than those of the starting materials. Comparative study of the two methods used to synthesize these complexes showed that the solvent free-synthetic technique presented higher efficiency in terms of energy and time than the conventional solvent-based, as there was no need for the application of heat and also the reaction was completed within a short time. Thus, the solvent-free technique appears to be more effective for the synthesis of the Cu (II) complexes of Ibuprofen and Aspirin.