Manganese catalyzed C-alkylation of methyl N-heteroarenes with primary alcohols.

C-Alkylations of nine different classes of methyl-substituted N-heteroarenes, including quinolines, quinoxalines, benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, pyrazines, pyrimidines, pyridazines, pyridines, and triazines are disclosed. A bench stable earth-abundant Mn(i)-complex catalyzed the chemoselective hydrogen-transfer reaction utilizing a diverse range of primary alcohols as the non-fossil fuel-derived carbon source. The diversified N-heteroarenes (41 examples) were isolated in high yields and selectivities. Water is produced as the sole byproduct, making the protocol environmentally benign.