Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative 1,2‐Addition of Carboxylic Acids to Glyoxylic Acid Esters

Abstract The formation of C−C‐bonds constitutes one of the most fundamental synthetic operations in organic chemistry. The nucleophilic addition of preformed organometallic reagents to an electrophilic carbonyl functionality represents a classical method for the selective construction of a C−C‐bond. However, the synthesis and utilization of an organometallic reagent is associated with an unfavorable environmental profile. Herein, we disclose a Palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative 1,2‐addition of carboxylic acids to glyoxylic acid esters. This novel method provides access to the mandelic acid scaffold in good yields. Easy‐to‐handle and readily available benzoic acids are utilized as more sustainable alternative to preformed organometallic nucleophiles.