10.1021/jo00167a054
The research focuses on the decarboxylation of aromatic carboxylic acids catalyzed by Nafion-H, a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based cation exchange resin. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficiency of decarboxylation reactions for various polymethylbenzenecarboxylic acids and to understand the role of the p-methyl group in stabilizing the intermediate products. The conclusions drawn from the study indicate that the presence of p-methyl groups enhances the decarboxylation process, with mesitylenecarboxylic acid and pentamethylbenzoic acid being decarboxylated more efficiently than 2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzoic acid. The study also involved the reaction of dimethyl 3-oxoglutarate with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, leading to the formation of various cyclic compounds, including bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes and isophthalates.