Manganese-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzo[f]chromanes via Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling

Benzo[f]chromane derivatives have versatile applications in organic synthesis and bioactive molecule construction. Herein, we report a manganese-catalyzed coupling of primary allylic alcohols with naphthols, establishing a route to benzo[f]chromanes via an acceptorless dehydrogenation strategy. Our protocol enabled efficient coupling of a series of primary allylic alcohols with naphthol derivatives, delivering valuable benzo[f]chromanes with high diastereoselectivity (dr up to >20:1) in moderate to good yields (60–86%). This methodology exhibits an extensive substrate scope (30 examples) and broad functional group compatibility.