Mn-Catalyzed Aromatic C–H Alkenylation with Terminal Alkynes

The first manganese-catalyzed aromatic C-H alkenylation with terminal alkynes is described. The procedure features an operationally simple catalyst system containing commercially available MnBr(CO)(5) and dicyclohexylamine (Cy(2)NH). The reaction occurs readily in a highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective manner delivering anti-Markovnikov E-configured olefins in high yields. Experimental study and DFT calculations reveal that (1) the reaction is initiated by a C-H activation step via the cooperation of manganese and base; (2) manganacycle and alkynylmanganese species are the key reaction intermediates; and (3) the ligand-to-ligand H-transfer and alkynyl-assisted C-H activation are the key steps rendering the reaction catalytic in manganese.