Unprecedented synthesis of symmetrical azines from alcohols and hydrazine hydrate using nickel based NNN-pincer catalyst: An experimental and computational study

Azines are having widespread applications in both industry as well as synthetic chemistry. Thus new catalytic synthetic protocols are desirable as they are greener alternatives than traditional methods of synthesis. Thus, herein a novel earth abundant nickel based NNN-pincer catalyst Ni(BPEA)(Cl2) is synthesized for the first time for the direct transformation of alcohols and hydrazine hydrate into symmetrical azines. This catalytic reaction is accompanied by dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and hydrazine hydrate and is carried out in presence of a base. Theoretical calculations supported by experimental evidence have been performed for understanding the mechanistic insights of the reaction.