Integrated experimental and computational study of a fluorescent Schiff base: Synthesis, characterization, electronic structure properties, and biological potentials of (1E,1’E)-1,1’-(1,4-phenylene) bis(N-(2-chlorophenyl) methanimine) with a focus on molecular docking and dynamics simulation

Abstract

This work provides a thorough characterization of a Schiff base molecule that is produced when terephthaldehyde and 2-chloroaniline are combined. A variety of spectroscopic methods, including FTIR, UV–VIS, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR, are used to reveal the compound's spectral characteristics. It was remarkable for showing a strong fluorescence emission at 340 nm, suggesting possible uses in fluorescence based technology. To its unique qualities are added the compound's amazing thermal resilience, which can withstand temperature as high as 399 °C without experiencing any noticeable degradation. Calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) provided information about its electronic structure by revealing an energy gap of 1.74 eV The compound's superior effectiveness against Candida albicans is demonstrated by molecular docking and antimicrobial tests, indicating its potential as an antimicrobial drug. An insight is given into the compound's superior stability in the biological settings by molecular dynamics simulations, which is shown consistent behaviour of protein-ligand complex in a complicated biological environments. The molecule has shown to have a favourable safety profile based on in-silico toxicity tests. This suggests that the compound is a potential candidate for further modification and pharmacological applications. This work makes a significant contribution to the area of its innovative combination of spectroscopic characterization, electronic structural insights, antimicrobial properties and safety considerations.

Keywords

• DFT
• Schiff base synthesis
• TGA
• Antimicrobial activity
• Molecular docking
• Molecular dynamics