A novel synthesis of aromatic α-diketones from electron transfer reactions of aromatic acids with either lithium 4,4'-di-t-butylbiphenyl radical anion or lithium metal

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(01)93869-9

Some aromatic α-diketones were directly synthesized in high yields from ultrasound-promoted reactions of the corresponding acids with excess lithium in dry THF. Use of a catalytic amount of 4,4'-di-t-butylphenyl (DBB) enhanced the coupling reaction rate.