Allylic and Benzylic Alcohol Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Lithium-Promoted Manganese Oxides

This study reports a novel methodology for the production of allyl acrylate from allyl alcohol solely as the starting substrate. The reaction reported here utilizes a heterogeneous reusable catalyst based on Li-ion-promoted mesoporous manganese oxide. The reaction conditions are mild (ambient pressure and temperature of 80 degrees C). The catalytic activity, selectivity, and substrate scope of the reaction are reported (60% yield). The system proposed here is composed of an allylic alcohol substrate, O2 as the oxidant, N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as the promoter, and trichloro acetonitrile (CCl3CN) as the solvent together with the Li-promoted manganese oxide (surface area >150 m2/g) as the catalyst.