Two cis-β-MnIIISALPN catalysts were synthesised and tested in the Mukaiyama-Isayama hydration of α,β-unsaturated esters. The MnIIIEtOSALPN(acac) complex 7 is the most active and catalyses hydration with little or no detectable undesired alkene reduction. This catalyst is superior for alkene hydration compared to the originally reported Mn(dpm)3 catalyst.
