Ag(I)/persulfate-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of α-oxocarboxylates with organotrifluoroborates in water under room temperature

The decarboxylative coupling reaction of α-oxocarboxylates and organotrifluoroborates was carried out smoothly in the presence of catalytic AgNO3 using K2S2O8 as oxidant to generate diarylketone products in high yields. The method is novel, simple, safe and efficient. Both aryl substituted potassium α-oxocarboxylates and organotrifluoroborates proceeded smoothly in water under room temperature. The utilization of α-oxocarboxylates as acylating agent presents some elements of interest.