Decarboxylative acylation of arenes with mandelic acid derivatives via palladium-catalyzed oxidative sp2 C–H activation

Abstract

An efficient palladium catalyzed decarboxylative acylation of arenes with mandelic acid derivatives via oxidative sp² C–H activation in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide has been developed. The acylation reaction is assisted by a pyridine directing group. The starting materials are inexpensive and readily available. This method provides an economical and convenient way to synthesize aryl ketones.