Palladium-catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkynylation of Aromatic Esters

A palladium-catalyzed decarbonylative alkynylation reaction of aromatic esters with terminal alkynes is reported. This reaction allows for halogen-free Sonogashira coupling, resulting in various aryl- and heteroarylalkynes. The utility of the reaction was demonstrated by orthogonal coupling reaction.