Dinuclear copper(II) complexes (Cu₂ L_nCl₃), nickel(II) complexes (Ni₂ L_nCl₃) and cobalt(II) complexes (Co₂L₂ⁿCl₂) from Schiff base ligands are synthesised, characterised and used as catalysts for oxidation of 3,5-DTBC to 3,5-DTBQ. (Cu₂L_nCl₃) are found to be more efficient than the other complexes. Dinuclear iron(III) complexes of composition (Fe₂L₂Cl₂) and ruthenium (III) complexes of composition Ru₂L₂ⁿCl₆(PPh₃)₂ and Ru₂L₂ⁿCl₂(PPh₃)₂ catalyse epoxidation of styrene and cyclohexene. Catalytic activities of ruthenium(III) complexes are much greater than those of analogous iron(III) complexes.

An efficient asymmetric synthetic route for the synthesis of anti-glaucoma agent, (15R)-latanoprost using Corey lactone diol as chiral substrate under Swern oxidation, allylic reduction and Wittig reaction conditions has been developed. In this method, reduction of keto and alkene functional groups has been achieved in a single step using low cost catalyst NiCl₂/NaBH₄ in methanol. This new synthetic protocol is a good alternative for the synthesis of latanoprost with high stereo selectivity and improved yield.