The nickel (II) complex of the Schiff base of salicylaldehyde and 4-perfluorodecylaniline catalyzes the conjugate addition of β-diketones to electron-deficient substrates. Electrophilic amination with azodicarboxylate affords quaternary centers. The catalyst is recovered in solution and reutilized. Isolation of reaction products is very simple and does not require chromatography.
