SYNTHESIS OF ARYLACETIC AND 2-ARYLPROPIONIC ACIDS BY ELECTROCARBOXYLATION OF BENZYLIC COMPOUNDS BEARING A LEAVING GROUP OTHER THAN A HALOGEN

The electrosynthesis of carboxylic acids ArCH(R)CO2H is performed by e lectrochemical reduction, under one atmosphere of CO2, of benzylic qua ternary ammonium salts or benzylic compounds of formula ArCH(R)Y where Y is a leaving group other than a halogen. Constant current electroly ses are carried out in DMF in an undivided cell fitted with a sacrific ial magnesium anode. Allylic and alpha-substituted thiophenic compound s prove to undergo an electrocarboxylation reaction in the same manner .