Synthesis, Characterisation and Catalytic Studies of Iron(III), Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes Containing N,O Donor Ligands and Triphenylphosphine

A series of new Schiff base complexes of FeIII, CoII, NiII and CuII containing Ph3P has been prepared and characterised. The Schiff bases have been prepared by the condensation of salicylaldehyde and naphthaldehyde with the appropriate aniline. The complexes have been characterised by analytical, spectral (i.r., electronic, magnetic, e.p.r., 1H-n.m.r.) and electrochemical studies. The new complexes have been used as catalysts for aromatic coupling reactions. Higher catalytic activity has been observed for NiII compared to the other complexes.