The reaction in alkaline aqueous solution between sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and manganese (II) chloride
produces colorless crystals with formula [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3], which was characterized by UV–Vis,
IR and Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The crystal structure of [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] complex
has been solved by X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the cubic Pa-3 space group with
a = 19.5476(1) Å, and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell. [Mn(SMX)3]
complex is at a crystallographic special
position of C3 symmetry with the Mn(II) ion cis-coordinated to three equivalent sulfamethoxazole molecules
acting as bidentate ligands in a propeller-like conformation. [Mn(H2O)6]
2+ hydrate ion is at crystal
special position of S6 symmetry with the metal in an almost perfect octahedral coordination with six
water molecules. At 100 lg/mL Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] and SMX, inhibited the Staphylococcus aureus
biofilm formation by 92% and 54%, respectively. However, at the same concentration
Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] and SMX inhibited the planktonic bacterial growth by 52% and 81%, respectively.
The Mn(II) complex inhibited the biofilm formation in values higher than 35% at the concentration
0.5 lg/mL. These results suggest that the metal complex [Mn(H2O)6]0.5[Mn(SMX)3] is a good candidate
for the development of new antimicrobial agent acting in part as bactericidal but mainly as antipathogenic
agent.