Manganese-Catalyzed α-Alkylation of Ketones, Esters, and Amides Using Alcohols

Herein we report the manganese-catalyzed C–C bond-forming reactions via α-alkylation of ketones, amides, and esters, using primary alcohols. β-Alkylation of secondary alcohols by primary alcohols to obtain α-alkylated ketones is also reported. The reactions are catalyzed by a (iPr-PNP)Mn(H)(CO)2 pincer complex under mild conditions in the presence of (catalytic) base liberating water (and H2 in the case of secondary alcohol alkylation) as the sole byproduct.