A nickel(II) complex [Ni(HL)2] 1 was synthesized
by treatment of a new catecholaldimine-based ligand with NiCl2·6H2O in methanol at room temperature. Complex 1 showed excellent catalytic activity where aromatic and heterocyclic
alcohols were rapidly converted into trans-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
(trans-cinnamonitrile and aldehydes) are well supported
by DFT studies.
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