Manganese-Catalyzed ortho-C-H Alkenylation of Aromatic N-H Imidates with Alkynes: Versatile Access to Mono-Alkenylated Aromatic Nitriles

So far, the direct C-H alkenylation of aromatic nitriles with alkynes has not been achieved. Herein, we discribe the first manganese-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of aromatic N-H imidates to access mono-alkenylated aromatic nitriles. The reaction is accelerated by the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium pivalate. This protocol is also highlighted by the simple catalytic system, good compatibility of functional groups, and excellent mono-/dialkenylation selectivity as well as E/Z stereoselectivity.