Synthesis and catalytic activity of novel Zn–N and Cu–N complexes

A series of zinc and copper complexes supported by 1, 3-diaminobenzene, 1, 2-aminobenzylamine, 1, 3-aminobenzylamine and m-xylylenediamine was synthesized and characterized. Reaction of 1, 3-diaminobenzene, 1, 2-aminobenzylamine, 1, 3-aminobenzylamine and m-xylylenediamine with Zn(OAc)2·2H2O and Cu(OAc)2·H2O in alcohol, methanol or tetrahydrofuran resulted in the production of five novel zinc and copper complexes: 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9. Moreover, the structure of each of complex was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Every complex was also characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR. The complexes were then used to catalyze the Henry reaction and good catalytic results (65–99%) were achieved. The catalytic activity of the complexes was determined by 1H NMR.