Synthesis and characterization of derivatisedArtemether complexes of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) transition metals

Abstract

A desire to further probe structure-activity relationships (SAR), artemether, a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin (antimalaria drug) has been derivatised and transition metals incorporated into its organic pharmacophores to enhance its biological activity and bioavailability. Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) transition metal complexes of derivatizedartemether have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electronic and infra red spectroscopy. The synthesised complexes have varying shades of colour and decomposed at a temperature above 360oC. The derivatizedartemether acts as a bidentate ligand through the two nitro O- atoms. The electronic spectra are consistent with the proposed octahedral geometry around the metal ions. The metal complexes were screened for their antimicrobial activities against Pseudomonasaeroginosa, Escherichia coli (Extended spectrum beta lactamase strain), Escherichia coli (Enteropathogenicdiarrheagenic strain), Alcagenesfaecalis, Proteusmirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The nickel complex [Ni(DA)2.(H2O)2] exhibited the greatest activity in all the organisms tested.