Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and DNA cleavage studies of dibutyltin(IV) complexes of bidentate Schiff bases

Reactions of di-n-butyltin(IV)dichloride with sodium salts of Schiff bases in tetrahydrofuran-benzene solution in 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry afforded complexes of the types [(n-Bu)2Sn(sb)Cl] and [(n-Bu)2Sn(sb)2], respectively, [where sb = Schiff bases: N-salicylidene-2-aminopyridine (sapH), N-salicylidene-2-methylaniline (o-smabH) and N-salicylidene-4-methylaniline (p-smabH)]. All these complexes which are colored solids and are soluble in common organic solvents were characterized by elemental (C, H, N, Cl and Sn) analysis and spectral [IR, (1H, 13C and 119Sn) NMR] and Mass studies. On the basis of spectroscopic studies plausible structures have been proposed. The DNA cleavage activity of these complexes has been studied by agarose gel electrophoresis method.