Ag(i)/persulfate-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of α-oxocarboxylates with organotrifluoroborates in water under room temperature

Abstract

The decarboxylative coupling reaction of α-oxocarboxylates and organotrifluoroborates was carried out smoothly in the presence of catalytic AgNO₃ using K₂S₂O₈ as oxidant to generate diarylketone products in high yields. The method is novel, simple, safe and efficient. Both aryl substituted potassium α-oxocarboxylates and organotrifluoroborates proceeded smoothly in water under room temperature. The utilization of α-oxocarboxylates as acylating agent presents some elements of interest.