Manganese(III) porphyrin-catalyzed regioselective dual functionalization of C(sp 3 )-H bonds: the transformation of arylalkanes to 1,4-diketones.

The first, direct way from arylalkanes to 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds has been shown. It makes obtaining these useful products more accessible and cheaper. Our method is based on a one-pot reaction with excellent regioselectivity, mild conditions, and water as the main solvent. A plausible reaction mechanism has also been proposed.