Manganese catalyzed α-methylation of ketones with methanol as a C1 source?

Chemical Communications Pub Date: 2018-12-10 DOI: 10.1039/C8CC08064J

Abstract

The direct α-methylation of ketones with methanol under hydrogen borrowing conditions using a well-defined manganese PN3P complex as a pre-catalyst was, for the first time, achieved. The reactions typically proceed at 120 °C for 20 h with 3 mol% pre-catalyst loading and in the presence of NaOtBu (50 mol%) as base. The scope of the reaction was extended to the α-methylation of esters.

Graphical abstract: Manganese catalyzed α-methylation of ketones with methanol as a C1 source
Recommended Literature