A new cyclic binuclear Ni(II) complex as a catalyst towards nitroaldol (Henry) reaction

• A new cyclic binuclear Ni(II) complex, [Ni2(H2L)2] · 4MeOH (1), has been synthesized.
• The ligand coordinates in the dianionic keto form via mutual sharing of two Ni(II) ions.
• Complex 1 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Henry reaction in water.

A new cyclic binuclear Ni(II) complex, [Ni2(H2L)2] · 4MeOH (1), has been synthesized using the Schiff base N′1,N′3-bis(2-hydroxybenzylidene)malonohydrazide (H4L). The X-ray crystal structure of 1 shows that the ligand coordinates in the dianionic keto form (H2L2 −) via mutual sharing of two Ni(II) ions. Complex 1 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Henry reaction in water. A maximum conversion of ca. 93% was obtained under optimized conditions.

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