Copper(II) Acetylacetonate/Tetrabutylammonium Hydrogen Sulfate: A New System for Decarboxylation of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids under Amine‐Free Conditions

Abstract A new system for decarboxylation of aromatic carboxylic acids under amine‐free conditions has been developed. In situ generated copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) stabilized by tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (TBAHS) were found to catalyze the decarboxylation of aromatic carboxylic acids under amine‐free conditions. Ortho ‐substituted benzoic acids bearing electron‐deficient and electron‐rich groups were effectively decarboxylated under these conditions whereas meta‐ and para ‐substituted benzoic acids were less reactive and gave moderate yields of desired decarboxylated products.