Heterogenized manganese catalyst for C-, and N-alkylation of ketones and amines with alcohols by pyrolysis of molecularly defined complexes

Series of organic transformations are known to be catalyzed by molecularly well-defined homogeneous catalysts, however, it is difficult to recycle. Meanwhile, heterogeneous catalysts are required in many industrial processes due to their stability, and recyclability, but it is challenging to control on a molecular level. Herein, we set out the conversion of homogenous manganese complex into heterogeneous manganese-based catalyst via pyrolyzing the pre-formed crystalline polymer. The catalyst thus produced are then utilized for C-C/C-N bond-forming reactions, such as alkylation of ketones and/or amines, utilizing primary alcohols as an alkylating agent, under nearly mild conditions liberating water as the sole by-product.