Abstract: A new copper acetate complex derived from C2-symmetric diamine, which can be easily prepared from L-proline, was developed and used as an efficient catalyst in Henry reaction between various aldehydes and nitroalkanes. The results demonstrate that the reaction temperature, solvents and catalyst loadings have considerably effects on both yields and reaction rates. The yields are 60%~92% in optimal reaction conditions:at room temperature, ethanol as solvent, 10% molar fraction of catalyst loading. All aldehydes react efficiently with tested nitroalkanes to produce corresponding β-nitroalcohols. When aromatic aldehydes react with nitroethane, excellent diastereoselectivity can be obtained. However, diastereoselectivity is modest in the reaction of aliphatic acetaldehyde.

Key words: Henry reaction, copper acetate, C2-symmetric diamine, bidentate ligand