Mn(i)-Catalyzed nucleophilic addition/ring expansion via C-H activation and C-C cleavage.

Mn(i)-Catalyzed synthesis of seven- or eight-membered carbocycles is disclosed via C-H activation of heteroarenes and coupling with alkyne-functionalized 1,3-cyclopentadiones or 1,3-cyclohexadiones. This n to n + 2 (n = 5, 6) ring expansion reaction proceeded via a C-H alkenylation/carbonyl addition/retro-Aldol cascade. Structurally diverse mid-sized carbocycles were constructed via cleavage of both C-H and C-C bonds in a single operation.