Structural characterization of a square planar Ni(II) complex and its application as a catalyst for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones

A new 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde Schiff base derived nickel(II) complex (4) was synthesized and fully characterized. Analysis of the structure of 4 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows two chelating Schiff base ligands bound to nickel in a trans [(ON)-N-perpendicular to(Ni2+)(NO)-O-perpendicular to] fashion. Hence, in a molecule of 4, two ligands are four coordinate to a Ni(II) center through the imine nitrogen and naphthyloxyl oxygen atoms. This coordination mode resulted in a square planar complex that is stabilized in the solid-state by a network of intermolecular O-H center dot center dot center dot N hydrogen bonds between neighboring molecules. The H-1 NMR data showed the loss of the hydroxyl (OH) proton signal and an upfield shift of the metal-bound imine (-NH) proton signal, while the IR data also showed a lower energy shift in the absorption frequency of the imine (C = N) bond due to back donation from the coordinated Ni(II) center. As a catalyst for the transfer hydrogenation of a range of ketones, 4 showed good catalytic activity at a very low concentration of 0.1 mol% with 2-propanol as the model substrate. The catalyst is also effective for various related ketone substrates bearing a range of steric and electronic regulating groups.