Efficiently Aerobic Dehydrogenation of N‐Heterocycles and Hydrocarbons over MnAl Oxides

Abstract Dehydrogenation of saturated N ‐heterocycles and hydrocarbons provides an important route to corresponding aromatic compounds. Herein, an efficient and selective MnAlO‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of five‐ and six‐membered N ‐heterocycles, imines and hydrocarbons is presented. The reaction features excellent yields of the products, mild reaction conditions, readily available and reusable catalyst. Various N ‐heterocycles and hydrocarbons can be tolerated by the reaction system and transformed to the corresponding aromatic counterparts. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds mainly through an electron transfer mechanism.