Direct Synthesis of Amides by Dehydrogenative Coupling of Amines with either Alcohols or Esters: Manganese Pincer Complex as Catalyst.

The first example of base-metal-catalysed synthesis of amides from the coupling of primary amines with either alcohols or esters is reported. The reactions are catalysed by a new manganese pincer complex and generate hydrogen gas as the sole byproduct, thus making the overall process atom-economical and sustainable.