The present work focuses on the synthesis, characterization, oxidation catalysis and antimicrobial activity of a series of metal complexes, ([M(QOD)mCln], M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)), of a new ligand, quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene-1,2-phenylenediamine containing a deactivating heterocyclic ring system.. Structural investigations were carried out on the metal complexes by a combination of microanalytical, spectroscopic and magnetic techniques. The results suggested distorted tetrahedral geometry for all the complexes. The catalytic activity of the prepared complexes was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the oxidation of di-tert-butylcatechol to the corresponding o-benzoquinone using molecular oxygen as the oxidant. The oxidation activity of the metal complexes are in the order Mn(II)>> Cu(II)>Co(II)>Ni(II). To explore the therapeutic potential of a deactivating heterocyclic ring system, all the prepared complexes were checked for their antimicrobial activity against potent bacterial pathogens such as E.coli, Proteus sp and Salmonella typhi and non pathogenic Lactobacillus. All the complexes except Mn(II) are found to posses antibacterial activity. Co(II) complex exhibited broad spectral antibacterial effect to all the isolates. A comparative study was made with the antibiogram of antibiotics of known potencies. The present study points to the futuristic aspects of Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes to be utilized as agents for therapy of infectious diseases either individually or as a mixture in combination with pharmaceutical agents.