KF-alumina-mediated Bargellini reaction

KF-alumina was found to be an efficient base for the synthesis of sterically hindered α-substituted carboxylic acids. A series of Bargellini reactions were performed by using various substituted anilines, phenols, and thiophenols as nucleophiles with ketones in the presence of chloroform and KF-alumina as a base. All the compounds were fully characterized.