Synthesis and structural characterization of a novel dinuclear Cu(ii) complex: an efficient and recyclable bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for the diastereoselective Henry reaction

Abstract

We describe the synthesis and structural characterization of a novel dinuclear Cu(ii) complex containing a new flexible mixed pyridine-carboxylate ligand. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals its uniqueness with two coordinated water molecules and four uncoordinated pyridyl groups. Utilizing the bifunctional catalytic sites, it has been found to be an efficient, robust and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the diastereoselective Henry (nitroaldol) reaction of aldehydes with nitroethane.