A novel Schiff base namely (E)‐3‐((2,6‐dihydroxypyrimidin‐4‐ylimino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one and its Co (II), N (II)i, Cu (II) and Cd (II) complexes have been synthesized and proved by elemental analysis, molar conductance, thermal analysis (TGA), Inductive Coupled plasma (ICP), magnetic moment measurements, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR, EI‐mass,1H NMR, 13C NMR,UV–Vis. and ESR spectral studies. On the basis of these data, it is evident that the Schiff base acts as bidentate via oxygen atom of carbonyl group and azomethine nitrogen atom for Co (II) complex; monobasic bidentate ligand for Ni (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) complexes via oxygen atom of hydroxyl group and nitrogen atom of pyrimidine ring. The results showed all complexes have octahedral geometry. The average particle size of the ligand and its complexes were found to be 1.010–0.343 nm. The pharmacological action (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer) of the prepared compounds is studied. The antitumor activity of the ligand and its metal complexes is evaluated against human liver carcinoma (HEPG2) cell. The data displayed the Co (II) complexes strong cytotoxicity where IC50 values of Co (II) complex and 5‐fluorouracil (stander drug) are 9.33 and 7.86 μg/ml respectively. The Co (II) and Cd (II) complexes have antibacterial activity more than ampicillin (stander drug). The interaction of the synthesized compounds with calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has been performed via absorption spectra and viscosity technique. The DNA‐ binding constants have been determined. A novel Schiff base namely (E)‐3‐((2,6‐dihydroxypyrimidin‐4‐ylimino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one and its Co(II), N(II)i, Cu(II) and Cd(II) complexes have been synthesized and proved. The pharmacological action (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer)of the prepared compounds were studied.