New complexes were synthesized with Schiff base tetradentate ligand (L). The ligand was synthesized by the condensation reaction of the dimedone with 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide. The formula of complexes [M(L) (H2O)2].Cl2, where M represents Mn(II), Ni(II) Cu(II), [Co(L)Cl.H2O]Cl and [Zn(L)(H2O)2]Cl2.2H2O. The ligand was identified using m.p., UV-Vis, FT-IR, Mass, 1H-NMR, and C.H.N. These complexes were characterized using techniques including infrared, UV-Vis absorption, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), chloride content determination using Mohr’s method, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The measurements revealed that the complexes are electrolytic. FT-IR results demonstrated that the ligands act as tetradentate, coordinating to the metal through the carbonyl (C=O) group of benzohydrazide and the nitrogen atom of the azomethine (-C=N-) group. Furthermore, thermogravimetric and infrared analyses indicated that water molecules are also coordinated to the metal. All complexes were found to have an octahedral geometry. Based on the TGA assay, the ligands and complexes were found to be highly stable. The prepared complexes and ligands have activity against two different types of Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria, as well as against bacteria and Candida fungi. The results showed that they can be used as antibacterial and give good inhibition efficiency. KEY WORDS: Biological activity, Dimedone, 2-Hydroxybenzohydrazide, Thermal studies, Tetra-dentate Schiff base, Metal complexes Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(11), 2271-2280. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i11.14
