Production of benzylic-alkylated arenes: a bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) manganese(I)-catalyzed alkylation strategy using 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 sp 2 C3-mono-alkylated indenes, sp 3 C1, sp 2 C3-di-alkylated indenes and other sp 3 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. Graphical abstract