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) 2 ] 1 was synthesized by treatment of a new catecholaldimine-based ligand with NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O 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.