Synthesis of Aromatic Esters, Lactones, Anhydrides, and Heterocycles via Thallation-Carbonylation of Arenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo01290a038

The thallation and subsequent palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of simple arenes, benzylic and β-phenethyl alcohols, benzoic and phenylacetic acids, benzamide, and acetanilide afford benzoate esters, phthalides, 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins, phthalic and homophthalic anhydrides, phthalimide, and acetylanthranil, respectively.The carbonylation reaction proceeds in excellent yield at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and is highly stereo- and regioselective.