Nucleophilic benzoylation using lithiated methyl mandelate as a synthetic equivalent of the benzoyl carbanion. Oxidative decarboxylation of α-hydroxyacids

The synthesis of alkyl aryl ketones using lithiated methyl mandelate as a synthetic equivalent of the benzoyl carbanion is reported (Umpolung). The methodology involves alkylation of methyl mandelate, hydrolysis of the ester group and oxidative decarboxylation of the resulting α-hydroxyacids. The last step is carried out in a catalytic aerobic way using a Co(III) complex in the presence of pivalaldehyde under very mild and advantageous conditions. The procedure is also applied to methyl mandelates substituted on the aromatic ring.