Cobalt/nitrophenolate-catalyzed selective conversion of aldoximes into nitriles or amides

• A selective conversion of aldoximes was developed using new cobalt catalysis.
• A unique nitro-group coordinating cobalt complex was synthesized.
• A complete reversal of transformation was accomplished by choice of the ligand.

A novel cobalt/nitrophenolate complex has been synthesized, characterized and studied for their catalytic activities. Conversion of aldoximes to nitriles can be performed via in situ conditions from cobalt(II) acetate and 2,4-dinitrophenol. The rearrangement of aldoximes to amides via cobalt(II) acetate and 2-nitro-1-naphthol has also been demonstrated. A complete reversal of transformation was accomplished by modifying the cobalt salt and careful choice of both the nitrophenol ligand and reaction conditions.