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

A nickel(II) complex [Ni(HL)] was synthesized by treatment of a new catecholaldimine-based ligand with NiCl·6HO 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.