Effect of group electronegativity on spectroscopic, biological, chromogenic sensing and optical properties of 2-formyl-benzene sulfonic acid sodium salt-based Schiff bases.

• Novel 2-formylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt based Schiff bases were synthesized. • Studied compounds were investigated spectroscopically and theoretically. • F − and CN− anions were colorimetrically sensed by studied compounds. • Schiff Base with chlorine group hydrolytically cleaved pBR322 DNA. • Schiff Bases can be used as antioxidants as they are more active than standard BHT. In this study, 2-formylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt-based Schiff bases were synthesized from the reactions of 2-formylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt with 2-amino-4-chlorophenol and 2-amino-4-methylphenol. The structure of the compounds was determined by FTIR, UV–Vis and NMR spectroscopy methods using both experimental and DFT methods. The anion sensor properties of the compounds were investigated both UV–Vis spectroscopically and calorimetrically. In addition, the antimicrobial activities, interactions with DNA, DNA cleavage and antioxidant activities of Schiff bases were investigated. Additionally, the effects of group electronegativity on the spectroscopic, biological, chromogenic sensing and optical properties of chlorine and methyl side groups and sodium 2-sulfobenzalidene-aminophenol-based Schiff bases were investigated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]