Manganese-Catalyzed Direct Nucleophilic C(sp(2))-H Addition to Aldehydes and Nitriles.

Herein, a manganese-catalyzed nucleophilic addition of inert C(sp(2))-H bonds to aldehydes and nitriles is disclosed by virtue of a dual activation strategy. The reactions feature mild reaction conditions, excellent regio- and stereoselectivity, and a wide substrate scope, which includes both aromatic and olefinic C-H bonds, as well as a large variety of aldehydes and nitriles. Moreover, mechanistic studies shed light on possible catalytic cycles.