Synthesis of Succinic Acids via Electrochemical Dicarboxylation of Aryl Terminal Alkynes with CO2.

An environment-friendly and efficient method for the synthesis of succinic acids has been developed through the electrochemical dicarboxylation of aryl terminal alkynes with CO2. The reaction proceeds smoothly at a certain constant current in acetonitrile with manganese(II) carbonate (MnCO3) as the additive, giving the desired succinic acids with up to 85% isolated yield. The system is applicable to various aryl terminal alkynes, exhibiting good functional group tolerance. This method may open up a window for the application of the electrochemical strategy in the synthesis of multicarboxylic acids.