Manganese-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrodebromination of Aryl Bromides with Ethanol

A convenient PNP pincer manganese catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of bromides to corresponding debrominated aryl compounds using ethanol as the hydrogen sources is reported. Importantly, the application of biomass-derived ethanol highlights the sustainability of the methodology. The use of 6-phenyl substituted triazine-based (PNPipr)-N-ipr-P-5 manganese pincer catalyst allows for the debromination of various aryl bromides with good yields. Notably, the process also occurs with bromides derived from several classes of natural products and bioactive compounds, such as citronellol, diacetone fructose, cholesterol, and vitamin E.