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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

A Microwave-Assisted Direct Heteroarylation of Ketones Using Transition Metal Catalysis
Published on: February 16, 2020
A Highly Efficient Dimeric Manganese-Catalyzed Selective Hydroarylation of Internal Alkynes
Yubo Pang1, Gengtu Liu1, Congcong Huang2
1State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
Abstract:
We have developed a general and site-predictable manganese-catalyzed hydroarylation of internal alkynes in the presence of water, under an air atmosphere without the involvement of ligand. The unique catalytic feature of this reaction is highlighted by comparison with other widely used transition metal catalysts including palladium, rhodium, nickel, or copper. The simple operation, high efficiency and excellent functional group compatibility make this protocol practical for more than 90 structurally diverse internal alkynes, overcoming the influence of both electronic and steric effect of alkynes. Its exclusive regio- and chemoselectivity originates from the unique reactivity of the manganese-based catalyst towards an inherent double controlled strategy of sterically hindered propargyl alcohols without the installing of external directing groups. Its synthetic robustness and practicality have been illustrated by the concise synthesis of bervastatin, a hypolipidemic drug, and late-stage modification of complex alkynes with precise regioselectivity.
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