Electrochemical carboxylation of terminal alkynes catalyzed by nickel complexes: unusual regioselectivity

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(88)83038-9

The electrochemical reduction of the nickel(II) complex Ni(bipy)3(BF4)2 yields an active catalyst for the regioselective functionalization of the 2-position of terminal alkynes with carbon dioxide.A series of α-substituted acrylic acids have been obtained with selectivities of 65-90percent and fair overall yields.