Palladium-catalyzed benzylation of carboxylic acids with toluene via benzylic C-H activation

Org Lett. 2013 Aug 16;15(16):4098-101. doi: 10.1021/ol401687f. Epub 2013 Jul 29.

Abstract

Direct benzylation of carboxylic acids with toluene has been developed via palladium-catalyzed C-H acyloxylation under 1 atm of oxygen. This reaction demonstrates good functional group tolerance and high yields, providing a facile, atom-economic, and efficient method for the synthesis of benzyl esters.