Synthesis, characterization of novel Nickel(II) complexes with PxNy-Type ligands and their application in reduction of ketones

Abstract Novel nickel(II) complexes 1 and 2 could be conveniently prepared using PxNy-type ligands and easily available NiCl2·6H2O as a starting material. Furthermore, we obtained the single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction to confirm the structure of these two nickel(II) complexes. With the well-designed nickel(II) complex, the hydrogenation of a wide range of ketones proceeded smoothly under relative mild reaction conditions, affording the corresponding alcohols with high isolated yields.