Synthesis of Cyclic Imides by Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling of Diols and Amines Catalyzed by a Manganese Pincer Complex.

The first example of base-metal-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling of diols and amines to form cyclic imides is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by a pincer complex of the earth abundant manganese and forms hydrogen gas as the sole byproduct, making the overall process atom economical and environmentally benign.