Synthesis of 1,3-diketones from esters via liberation of hydrogen

Summary Catalytic reactions that convert green or sustainable starting materials into important classes of chemical compounds, generate hydrogen, and are mediated by Earth-abundant element catalysts are highly desirable. Here, we report on a catalytic dehydrogenative rearrangement of esters into 1,3-diketones. Esters are green or sustainable and inexpensive starting materials that are available in great diversity, and 1,3-diketones are highly attractive building blocks for organic synthesis. The concerted interaction of a base-acid catalyst and a dehydrogenation catalyst mediates our reaction. The dehydrogenation catalyst is based on manganese, and the hydrogen formed can be liberated and is the only by-product formed.