Manganese(I)-Catalyzed α‑Alkenylation of Ketones Using Primary Alcohols

A simple protocol of manganese catalyzed selective α-alkenylation of ketones using primary alcohols is reported. The reactions proceeded well with a low loading of catalyst (0.3 mol %). The overall transformation operates through O–H bond activation of primary alcohols via dearomatization–aromatization metal ligand cooperation in the catalyst to provide the corresponding aldehydes, which further undergo condensation with methylene ketones to deliver α,β-unsaturated ketones. This selective α-alkenylation proceeds with the release of water and liberation of molecular hydrogen