Manganese Catalyzed alpha-Alkylation of Nitriles with Primary Alcohols

The manganese(I) complex bearing a bidentate hydrazone ligand efficiently catalyzes the alpha-alkylations of nitrile using primary alcohols as alkylating agents. alpha-Functionalized nitriles were selectively obtained in good to excellent yields. The reaction is environmentally benign, producing water as the sole byproduct. Both benzylic and aliphatic alcohols could be used and functional groups were tolerated.