Transition metal-free decarboxylative olefination of carboxylic acid salts.

The cost-effective and efficient synthesis of alkenes is highly significant due to their extensive applications in both synthetic and polymer industries. A transition metal-free approach has been devised for the chemoselective olefination of carboxylic acid salts. This modular approach provides direct access to valuable electron-deficient styrenes in moderate to good yields. Detailed mechanistic studies suggest anionic decarboxylation is followed by halogen ion transfer. This halogen transfer leads to an umpolung of reactant electronics, allowing for a rate-limiting rebound elimination.

Yb(OTf)3-Catalyzed and Di-tert-butyl Dicarbonate-Mediated Decarboxylative Etherification and Esterification Reactions.

Protecting group chemistry has invariably captured the fascination of chemists because of its extensive viability in chemical synthesis. The present report describes our pioneer work of applying ytterbium triflate as a catalyst, for the reaction of alcohols with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc2O) leading to the formation of tert-butyl ethers. There exists no recorded evidence for the use of Yb(OTf)3 as a catalyst for the protection of alcohols to tert-butyl ethers, despite its excellent utility in various reactions. Yb(OTf)3 has been used predominantly in the catalytic deprotection studies such as selective deprotection of tert-butyl esters to carboxylic acids as well as prenyl ethers to alcohols. This study involved the critical evaluation of solvent, time, and temperature that finally led to an efficient protocol for the formation of tert-butyl ethers. Yb(OTf)3 catalyzed the formation of tert-butyl ethers, notably reducing the reaction time, which is exemplified by the achievement of up to 92% conversion of alcohols to tert-butyl ethers within an hour. Additionally, the report demonstrates the utility of this synthetic protocol for the protection of carboxylic acids.