Bivalent transition metal [Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)] complexes with 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-2-picolylamine(BAPA) are synthesized and analyzed based on mass spectra, molar conductivity, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectral data. The complexes are found to be non-electrolytes. From FT-IR data it is evident that the BAPA acts as uni-negative tridentate ligand. Electronic spectral data confers octahedral structure for the complexes. The copper complex is also studied using ESR spectroscopy. The Spin Hamiltonian, orbital reduction and bonding parameters are determined for the complex. DNA binding properties of the complexes were uncovered by using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Of all the compounds, the copper complex binds more strongly. The metal complexes are screened for their antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains viz. Gram–ve bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia) and Gram +ve bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus). The copper complex shows higher activity than other complexes under investigation.
