Electrochemically Driven Decarboxylative Primary Alkylarylation of Alkenes with Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids

Key Points

• This research aims to develop a new electrochemical method for alkylarylation of alkenes using fatty acids without external oxidants or metal catalysts.
• Utilized quaternary ammonium salts derived from fatty acids in the alkylarylation process.
• Eliminated the requirement for metal catalysts or oxidants in the synthesis.
• Incorporated deuterated acetic acid to facilitate the introduction of deuterated methyl groups.
• Conducted mechanistic studies to understand the reaction pathway involving carboxylate anions.
• Established broad compatibility with various functional groups and substrates in the reaction.
• Successfully produced indolinone derivatives in high yields.
• Identified the formation of primary alkyl radicals via single-electron oxidation of carboxylate anions.

Abstract