Anodic coupling of carboxylic acids to electron-rich double bonds: A surprising non-Kolbe pathway to lactones.
Carboxylic acids have been electro-oxidatively coupled to electron-rich olefins to form lactones. Kolbe decarboxylation does not appear to be a significant competing pathway. Experimental results indicate that oxidation occurs at the olefin and that the reaction proceeds through a radical cation intermediate.
Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130, United States.
Robert J
RJ
Perkins
Hai-Chao
HC
Xu
John M
JM
Campbell
Kevin D
KD
Moeller
carboxylic acid; cyclization; electrolysis; free radical; kolbe; radical cation