Pd-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydrocarboxylation of Alkyl Terminal Olefins with Oxalic Acid

A Pd-catalyzed regioselective hydrocarboxylation of alkyl terminal olefins with oxalic acid is described. A wide variety of linear carboxylic acids can be readily obtained in good yields and high l/b (linear/branched) ratios with Pd2(dba)3 and (p-ClPh)3P under mild conditions. The reaction process is operationally simple and requires no handling of toxic CO. In addition, branched carboxylic acids can also be formed in good regioselectivities with PdCl2 and (2′,6′-dimethoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)diphenylphosphine (L1).