Phosphine-Free NNN-Manganese(II) Catalyzed C-alkylation of Methyl N-Heteroarenes via Borrowing Hydrogen

Mn(II)-catalyzed alkylations of methyl N-heteroarenes was reported via borrowing hydrogen strategy with alcohols as the alkylating reagent. The developed geometry-constrained benzimidazole-iminopyridyl ligand played a key role in promoting the transformation and stablizing the metal center. A wide range of alcohols (aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic) and methyl N-Heteroarenes could be able to apply in the current catalytic system, with TON up to 7400.