So far, the direct C À H alkenylation of aromatic nitriles with alkynes has not been achieved. Herein, we discribe the first manganese-catalyzed C À H alkenylation of aromatic N À H imidates to access mono-alkenylated aromatic nitriles. The reaction is accelerated by the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium pivalate. This protocol is also highlighted by the simple catalytic system, good compatibility of functional groups, and excellent mono-/dialkenylation selectivity as well as E/Z stereoselectivity.
An expedient Mn-catalyzed three-component synthesis of 1,5-amino/keto alcohols from Grignard reagents, imines/nitriles, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) is described, which deviates from the classic Grignard addition to imines/nitriles in THF solvent. THF is split and "sewn" in an unprecedented manner in the reaction, leading to the formation of two geminal C-C bonds via C-H and C-O cleavage. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations reveal radical and organo-Mn intermediates in the catalytic cycle and the α-arylative ring-opening of THF as the key reaction step.
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