Metal-free electrochemical fluorodecarboxylation of aryloxyacetic acids to fluoromethyl aryl ethers

Abstract

Electrochemical decarboxylation of aryloxyacetic acids followed by fluorination provides easy access to fluoromethyl aryl ethers. This electrochemical fluorodecarboxylation offers a sustainable approach with electric current as traceless oxidant. Using Et₃N·5HF as fluoride source and as supporting electrolyte, this simple electrosynthesis affords various fluoromethoxyarenes in yields up to 85%.