A Catecholaldimine-Based NiII-Complex as an Effective Catalyst for the Direct Conversion of Alcohols to trans-Cinnamonitriles and Aldehydes

Copper(II) quinoxolinol imidazolium complexes in catalytic oxidation of benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols

A novel copper(II) quinoxolinol complex has been prepared using a condensation reaction based on previous studies. The copper(II) quinoxolinol salen complex has been applied as a catalyst using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant, demonstrating that benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols can be converted efficiently to the corresponding aldehydes. Excellent yields can be achieved (up to 99%) within a short reaction time and with great tolerance for functional groups.

Pincer Nickel-Catalyzed Olefination of Alcohols with Benzylphosphine Oxides

N,N,P-Pincer nickel complexes effectively catalyze reaction of alcohols with benzylphosphine oxides to form alkenes in good yields. The protocol suits for a wide scope of substrates and generates only E-configurated alkenes. The method also shows good compatibility of functional groups. Methoxy, methylthio, trifluoromethyl, ketal, fluoro, chloro, bromo, thienyl, and furyl groups are tolerated. The mechanism studies support that the reaction proceeds through catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones followed by condensation with benzyldiphenylphosphine oxides in the presence of KOtBu.

Iron(II) Phthalocyanine-Catalyzed Olefination of Aldehydes with Diazoacetonitrile: A Novel Approach to Construct Alkenyl Nitriles

A novel synthetic approach to preparing alkenyl nitriles via the olefination of aldehydes with diazoacetonitrile catalyzed by iron(II) phthalocyanine in the presence of PPh3 has been developed. A broad variety of aldehydes are efficiently transformed into the corresponding products with the high yields of 75%-97%. And it is also suitable for its gram-scale preparation. The suggested mechanism involves the transformation of the phosphazine to ylide by iron(II) phthalocyanine.