Bis(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Manganese(I) Complexes Catalyzed Facile Benzylic Alkylation of Arenes with Alcohols

A bis(NHC) manganese-catalyzed protocol for facile benzylic alkylation of a diverse range of arenes has been successfully developed. This innovative method enables the efficient synthesis of various alkylated arenes, including formal sp2 C3-mono-alkylated indenes, sp3 C1, sp2 C3-di-alkylated indenes and other sp3 C-H alkylated arenes, all derived from commonly accessible primary and secondary alcohols. Central to this alkylation reaction is the bis(NHC) manganese catalyst, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transformation of simple alcohols into complex and valuable organic compounds.