Schiff Bases and Metal Complexes as Multifunctional Platforms: Bridging Bioinorganic Chemistry, Catalysis, Sensing, and Energy Applications.

Schiff bases are imine derivatives widely recognized for their structural versatility and ability to coordinate transition metals, giving rise to compounds with remarkable physicochemical and biological properties. Over the last decade, numerous studies have reported their diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities to roles as catalysts, fluorescent sensors, and photovoltaic materials. While previous reviews have focused on specific aspects-such as biomedical activity, catalytic transformations, or luminescent sensing-there is still a lack of an integrative perspective that connects these different areas. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in Schiff bases and their metal complexes, emphasizing their multifunctionality at the interface of bioinorganic chemistry and materials science. We highlight how metal coordination enhances biological activity, how structural design expands the scope of asymmetric catalysis, how Schiff-based fluorophores are emerging as versatile luminescent sensors, and how aromatic and metal-Schiff derivatives contribute to the development of next-generation photovoltaic devices. By offering this transversal vision, the article aims to bridge fragmented knowledge and outline future research directions to fully exploit the potential of Schiff bases in medicine, catalysis, sensing, and sustainable energy.