Mn(OAc)2/Schiff base as a new efficient catalyst system for the Henry reaction of nitroalkanes with aldehydes

A series of novel Schiff bases bearing triazole structure were synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR. Mn(OAc)2/Schiff base efficiently catalyzed Henry reaction of nitroalkanes with aldehydes to produce the corresponding products of β-nitroalcohols, under mild conditions with high yields (up to 99%). A reaction mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results.