Anodic coupling of carboxylic acids to electron-rich double bonds: A surprising non-Kolbe pathway to lactones
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Updated: May 7, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Robert J Perkins1, Hai-Chao Xu, John M Campbell
1Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130, United States.
Abstract:
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.
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