The Department of Chemistry at the College of Science, University of Mosul, witnessed on Monday, February 23, 2026, the defense of the PhD dissertation submitted by doctoral candidate Faihaa Kamal Hussein Al-Jarrah, entitled:

“Preparation and Characterization of Some Metal Complexes with Hydrazone Ligands Derived from Certain Non-Steroidal Drugs and Evaluation of Their Biological Activity.”

The dissertation aimed to prepare and characterize complexes of divalent transition metal ions derived from hydrazone ligands, investigate their structural and physicochemical properties, and evaluate their biological activity. The study was further supported by theoretical investigations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular docking analyses to explore their potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.

The research involved the synthesis of seventy metal complexes using cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), and cadmium(II) salts through reactions of metal chlorides and nitrates with ten hydrazone ligands prepared via hydrazone condensation reactions.

Advanced analytical techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized ligands and complexes, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and CHN elemental analysis. Additional analyses included metal content determination using atomic absorption spectroscopy, measurements of molar electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) for selected complexes. Computational studies based on DFT and molecular docking were also conducted for selected ligands, alongside antioxidant activity assays and antibacterial evaluations using the agar well diffusion method.

The findings revealed varying inhibitory activities of several synthesized ligands and complexes against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, indicating promising potential for the development of biologically active compounds.

Chemical and physical analyses demonstrated that the ten ligands behaved as neutral bidentate ligands coordinating through the azomethine nitrogen atom and the carbonyl oxygen atom. The metal ions exhibited coordination numbers of four and six, with octahedral geometries predominating among six-coordinate complexes, while four-coordinate complexes adopted either square-planar or tetrahedral geometries.

The examination committee was chaired by Professor Dr. Jasim Mohammed Al-Elias and included:

• Assistant Professor Dr. Layla Jumaa Najm
• Assistant Professor Dr. Amira Faris Mohammed
• Assistant Professor Dr. Rana Ramzi Abd
• Assistant Professor Dr. Samaa Adnan Raouf

The dissertation was supervised by and examined with the participation of Professor Dr. Sahbaa Ali Ahmed.

At the conclusion of the defense, the committee commended the scientific quality of the dissertation and its significant findings, which contribute to advancing research in inorganic and pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly in the development of effective approaches to reduce the side effects of certain pharmaceutical compounds while enhancing their biological efficacy. The committee also emphasized the practical applicability of the outcomes in supporting both the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

This dissertation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through its contribution to improving pharmaceutical analysis and enhancing drug safety.

On another occasion, and on behalf of the Dean of the College of Science, Professor Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Assistant Professor Dr. Firas Ahmed Thanoon, presented a Letter of Appreciation to Assistant Professor Dr. Samaa Adnan Raouf in recognition of her distinguished scientific contributions and constructive academic remarks, which enriched the discussion and enhanced the scientific quality of the dissertation.

We extend our sincere congratulations to our student and wish her continued success and excellence in her academic and professional career.

Media and Government Communication Division

Monday, February 23, 2026