Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and in vitro antibacterial activity of Ibuprofen and its derived metal complexes

Complexes of Na+, Ag+, Ca2 +, Mg2 +, Cu2 +, Zn2 + and Hg2 + metal ions with the anti-inflammatory drug α-methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene acetic acid (Ibuprofen) have been synthesized and fully characterized. The IR spectroscopy data showed that Ibuprofen interacts with metal ions through the deprotonated carboxylate group in the bidentate form. Ibuprofen and its Ag+ and Hg2 + complexes showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes). The metal complexes resulted significantly more effective than the free Ibuprofen drug.