A general and selective metal-catalyzed conversion of biomass-derived primary diols and amines to the highly valuable 2,5-unsubstituted pyrroles has been developed. The reaction is catalyzed by a stable nonprecious manganese complex (1 mol %) in the absence of organic solvents whereby water and molecular hydrogen are the only side products. The manganese catalyst shows unprecedented selectivity, avoiding the formation of pyrrolidines, cyclic imides, and lactones.