Manganese catalyzed α-methylation of ketones with methanol as a C1 source

The direct alpha-methylation of ketones with methanol under hydrogen borrowing conditions using a well-defined manganese (PNP)-P-3 complex as a pre-catalyst was, for the first time, achieved. The reactions typically proceed at 120 degrees C for 20 h with 3 mol% pre-catalyst loading and in the presence of NaOtBu (50 mol%) as base. The scope of the reaction was extended to the alpha-methylation of esters.