NHCs-mediated benzoates formation directly from aromatic aldehydes and alkyl halides

Abstract A NHCs-mediated benzoates formation was developed by treatment of aromatic aldehydes with alkyl halides in the presence of oxygen. Corresponding benzoate derivatives were obtained in high yields up to 99%. The reaction mechanism was also discussed and a NHCs-mediated O-alkylation and subsequent oxidation process was proposed.