Catalytic radical addition of carbonyl compounds to alkenes by Mn(II)/Co(II)/O(2) system.

The radical addition of enolizable carbonyl compounds such as malonates and malononitrile to alkenes was successfully achieved through a catalytic process using the Mn(II)/Co(II)/O(2) system to afford the corresponding adducts in fair to good yields. Dimethyl malonate added to 1,5-cyclooctadiene to produce a fused bicycle compound.