Electroreductive deoxygenative carboxylation of alkyl oxalates with CO2

An electroreductive deoxygenative carboxylation of alkyl oxalates with CO2 is demonstrated for the first time, which offers a general and scalable method for obtaining various carboxylic acids. This electrochemical method features a broad substrate scope and mild reaction conditions; various secondary benzyl alcohols and non-benzylic alcohols, primary benzyl alcohols and non-benzylic alcohols, and tertiary benzyl alcohols and non-benzylic alcohols can be converted into the corresponding carboxylic acids in good to excellent yields. Importantly, this electroreductive deoxygenative carboxylation reaction also offers a mild and straightforward route to access drug molecules, such as ibuprofen, (+/-) naproxen, fenoprofen, hexaprofen, and biprofen.