Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, DFT, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Some Salicylideneaniline Schiff Base Derivatives as Potential Antioxidant Compounds

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of three Schiff base compounds, namely N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-m-chloroaniline (1), N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-m-nitroaniline (2), and N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-m-methoxyaniline (3). Comprehensive spectroscopic analyses involving FT-IR, H1NMR, and UV-Vis were employed to elucidate their molecular structures. Theoretical calculations were conducted using the DFT/B3LYP method with the 6-311 + G (d, p) basis set, elucidating electronic transitions and providing comprehensive vibrational assignments. The study identifies key electronic features of these compounds by analyzing global chemical reactivity descriptors. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to assess the ability of these compounds to scavenge free radicals, both in the gas phase and solvent environment, focusing on three primary mechanisms: hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), stepwise electron-transfer-proton transfer (ET-PT), and sequential proton-loss-electron transfer (SPLET). Additionally, the research explores drug-likeness properties and conducts molecular docking investigations against the ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase protein (UQCRB) to gain further insights into potential biological activities.