Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) Complexes with Benzothiazole Schiff Base Ligand: Preparation, Spectral Characterization, DNA Binding, and in Vitro Cytotoxic Activities

2-((E)-(6-ethoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol (2-EBTMCP) of Schiff base (HL) which would be produced from 6-ethoxy-2-amino benzothiazole and 5-Chloro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was prepared and characterised using 1H NMR, Infrared, ESI-mass spectra, elemental analysis, SEM, EDX and powder XRD spectroscopic methods. Its complexes with Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Cu(III) were made, isolated as solid compounds, and identified by various spectroscopic methods. The research of metal complexes here includes the intercalative form of DNA binding studies with CT (Calf thymus) DNA. The UV–Vis electron absorption spectroscopy approach has been used to explore the DNA-binding capabilities of transition metal complexes. Additionally, a MTT assay was performed to investigate their in vitro cytotoxic potential.