Merging CF3SO2Na photocatalysis with palladium catalysis to enable decarboxylative cross-coupling for the synthesis of aromatic ketones at room temperature

Abstract

A CF₃SO₂Na/Pd(OAc)₂ co-catalysis strategy was developed to produce aryl ketones via visible-light-induced decarboxylative cross-coupling of α-oxocarboxylic acids and aryl boronic acids. This process was performed under air at room temperature, furnishing aromatic ketones in moderate to good yields. Various sensitive functional groups were well tolerated in this reaction. A synergistic catalytic mechanism involving O₂ was also proposed based on the experimental observations.