Henry reaction catalyzed by copper(I) complexes of a new pyridine-containing macrocyclic ligand

The synthesis and characterization of copper(I) complexes of the novel pyridine-containing macrocyclic ligand (PC-L) and their use as catalysts in the Henry reaction are reported. The pyridine-based 12 membered tetraaza macrocyclic (PC-L) ligand 1 can be obtained in good overall yield (85%), from commercially available starting materials. The Cu(I) complexes showed good catalytic activities in the Henry reaction of different aldehydes and nitroalkanes. Remarkable diastereoselectivity was observed when isatine was reacted with nitroethane under catalytic conditions.