A Catecholaldimine-Based Ni II -Complex as an Effective Catalyst for the Direct Conversion of Alcohols to trans -Cinnamonitriles and Aldehydes

A nickel(II) complex [Ni(HL) ] was synthesized by treatment of a new catecholaldimine-based ligand with NiCl ·6H O in methanol at room temperature. Complex showed excellent catalytic activity where aromatic and heterocyclic alcohols were rapidly converted into -cinnamonitrile in a one-pot manner via oxidative olefination in the presence of KOH. The potential of the disclosed catalyst and the results obtained for the direct conversion of alcohols to two different functionalities ( -cinnamonitrile and aldehydes) are well supported by DFT studies.