Kamlet Reaction (Condensation)

[morend]

I tried method of Jonas Kamlet (USP2151517) for making 3-hydroxyphenyl-2-Nitroethnol. But I could not get the conversion

[adrian]

I think could be:
a. Maybe a competitive Cannizzaro reaction?
b. After the condensation I expect to obtain no nitroalcohol, but a beta-nitro styrene derivative.
I'm still not sure, good luck