Manganese(iii) acetate catalyzed oxidative amination of benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds with nitriles.

Mn-Catalyzed oxidative amination of benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds with nitriles is disclosed, which enables the synthesis of a broad range of secondary amides in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. The interaction between Mn(iii) and DDQ facilitates the oxidation and makes it highly efficient and selective.