OXIDATIVE DECARBOXYLATION OF ARYLACETIC ACIDS WITH MANGANESE(III) ACETATE

The oxidative decarboxylation reactions of arylacetic acids to arylcar binols were compared for Mn(III) acetate, Ce(IV) ammonium nitrate and a combination reagent of Co(III) acetate-Cu(II) acetate, The reaction Kith Mn(lII) acetate in acetic acid gave the corresponding arylcarbiny l acetate usually in good yield. The reaction was particularly easy wh en the substrate carried an electron-donating group at the para positi on of the aromatic ring, or when the acid was secondary or tertiary, I n contrast, the product generated with the other reagents was either a mixture containing over-oxidation products or products formed via a d ifferent route.