OXIDATIVE DECARBOXYLATION OF GAMMA-OXO ACIDS USING LEAD DIOXIDE

The oxidative decarboxylation of γ-oxo acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones with lead dioxide is shown to be a general reaction with best yields realized from acids substituted at the α and/or β carbon atom. The techniques developed provide a unique means of preparing α, β-unsaturated ketones in yields up to 84% using commercially available lead dioxide. The procedure may be applied to milligram amounts. © 1968, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.