pH-Controlled Intramolecular Decarboxylative Cyclization of Biarylacetic Acids: Implication on Umpolung Reactivity of Aroyl Radicals

A simple approach for the intramolecular aroylation of electron-rich arenes under mild conditions has been developed. A pH-controlled polarity umpolung strategy can be used to synthesize different fluorenones, which are important building blocks for biological applications. Unlike previous acylation reactions involving nucleophilic aroyl radicals, this approach likely relies on in situ generated electrophilic aroyl radicals. Detailed mechanistic and computational investigations provide detailed insights into the reaction mechanism and support the hypothesis of a pH-mediated umpolung.