Catalytic aerobic oxidative decarboxylation of α-hydroxy-acids. Methyl mandelate as a benzoyl anion equivalent

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00482-1

The monomeric square-planar cobalt(III) complex of bis-N,N'- disubstituted oxamides catalyses the oxidative decarboxylation of α-hydroxy acids with molecular oxygen/pivalaldehyde with very good yields. This reaction offers an interesting alternative in the use of methyl mandelate as a convenient benzoyl anion equivalent.