Nickel-catalyzed hydroacylation of acrylates with carboxylic acids

Abstract

A nickel-catalyzed hydroacylation of acrylates with carboxylic acids is described herein. The reaction exhibits broad substrate scope of acyl donors. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids are amenable in this reaction. Functional groups such as halogens, heteroaromatic cycle and cycano group are well tolerated. Apart from carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydride, acyl chloride, carboxylic ester and benzothioate ester are also demonstrated as useful acyl precurosrs. Mechanistic studies are carried out to shed light on the possible reaction menchanism and zinc benzoate is supposed to be a key intermediate.