The synthesis and characterization of a series of N-Zn, N-Cu complexes with 2-amino pyridine and ethylenediamine ligands (1a-b and 2a-b) have been described. They were synthesized with a simple, one-pot method, and the crystal structures of 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b were determined by X-ray crystallography. The complexes were also characterized by NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. They were used as the catalysts in an application to the Henry reaction, and high yields were obtained under the optimum conditions.

A series of copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese complexes were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of 5-amino-2-cyanopyridine with $ MCl_{2}$·x$H_{2}O$ (M: $Cu^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$, $Ni^{2+}$, $Mn^{2+})$ in anhydrous ethanol resulted in the formation of four complexes $[NH_{2}EtPyCuCl_{2}(CH_{3}OH)].H_{2}O 1$, $[(NH_{2}EtPyHCl)_{3}Co]$$(Cl)_{3}.3H_{2}O 2$, $[(NH_{2}EtPy)_{2}$ 2$(H_{2}O)Ni]$ $(Cl_{2})$ 3, and $[(NH_{2}EtPy)_{2}$ 2$(H_{2}O)$ Mn]$(Cl_{2})$ 4 $[NH_{2} EtPy=5-amino-oethylpyridine-2-carboximidate], respectively. The structures of these compounds were determined by X-raydiffraction, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Each complex was then used as a catalyst in the Henry reaction, and its catalytic activity was determined by 1H NMR. Good catalytic effects were achieved (69–87%).