SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT STUDIES OF FE(II) COMPLEX OF MIXED IBUPROFEN AND N-DONOR CO-LIGAND

Abstract. This study examines the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the antioxidant properties of an Fe(II) complex[Fe(ibf)2(mim)2],where ibuprofen (ibf) and 2-methylimidazole(mim) serve as ligands. The complex was synthesized via room temperature stirring of the Ligands and metal salt in methanol and characterized using various physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visble(UV/Vis) spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra revealed the coordination of the ligand to the metal center, with shift in the C=O and C=N stretching vibration as well as the appearance of new bands relating to metal-oxygen (M-O) and metal -nitrogen(M-N) vibrations.These results shows successful complexation, as evidenced by significant shifts in the characteristic absorption bands of the ligands, confirming coordination through the carboxylate oxygen atom and the N-3 nitrogen atom of the ibuprofen and 2-methylimidiazole ligands respectively,the complex exhibited distinct physical properties, including a brown color melting point of 183°C, and a relatively high yield of 52.43%. however, the antioxidant capacity of the synthesized complex was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and total Antioxidant capacity method. The Fe(II) complex showed superior antioxidant activity, with higher inhibition percentage at 250-50 μg/mL, the complex performed better than the ligand but not better than the standard (ascorbic acid). This profound activity is attributed to the complexation of ibuprofen with Iron, which likely alters the electronic structure, good for enhancing more efficient free radical scavenging. The studies suggest that metal complexation can significantly enhance the biological activity of the organic compounds, indicating the potential of [Fe(ibu)2(mom)2 as a promising specie for therapeutic applications for potent antioxidant activity.