Synfacts 2011(12): 1346-1346  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1289346
Metal-Mediated Synthesis
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Direct Conversion of Carboxylic Acids into Ketones

Contributor(s): Paul Knochel, Andreas K. Steib
D. T. Genna, G. H. Posner*
The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 November 2011 (online)

Significance

A new method for the conversion of carboxylic acids into methyl, n-butyl, and isopropyl ketones using excess cyanocuprates R2CuLi˙LiCN is reported. Stereocenters α to the carboxylic acid are nearly retained during the course of the reaction, and halobenzoic acids, prone to ortho-lithiation, were converted by cyanocuprates into the corresponding halophenyl ketones.