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Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Light-driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation
Published on: May 22, 2016
Transition metal-free decarboxylative olefination of carboxylic acid salts
Ebbin Joseph1, Deshkanwar S Brar1, Gaven Stuhlsatz1
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas 1567 Irving Hill Road Lawrence Kansas USA tunge@ku.edu.
Abstract:
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.
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