Photo-triggered halodecarboxylation of aliphatic carboxylic acids via cerium-mediated ligand-to-metal charge transfer in water

Abstract

A general catalytic protocol for the halodecarboxylation of aliphatic carboxylic acids via ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) is presented. This conversion is capable of transforming primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl acids into the corresponding bromo-, iodo- and chloroalkanes using water as a solvent under an air atmosphere. The broad range of substrate scope, the use of a green solvent, and the ability to derivatize drug molecules and natural products offer a new prospect for decarboxylative halogenation reactions.