Advances in inorganic chemistry have resulted in the development of metal complexes with organic ligands, potentially serving as medicinal agents. A novel schiff base (E)-2-(((furan-2-ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol was synthesized by refluxing 2-furylmethylamine and salicylaldehyde and its Hg(II) complex have also been synthesized. Their structures were demonstrated based on their spectral analysis of Fourier transform infrared, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The elemental analysis and physical characteristics of a newly synthesized ligand and its metal complex with mercury were also evaluated. Strains of bacteria and fungus were used in vitro to investigate their antibacterial and antifungal properties. It was found that the Hg(II) metal complex of newly synthesized ligand showed more antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Keywords: Metal complexes, Hg (II), Biological activity, Schiff base