Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Carboxylation of Styrenes Using CO₂

Significance

CO₂ is an attractive C1 synthon. Transition-metal catalysis for the incorporation of CO₂ into organic molecules remains, however, mostly unexplored. The reductive carboxylation of styrenes may serve as a useful method for the preparation of arylpropionic acids. Besides, it provides a basis for the preparation of more complex synthetic targets. This process has excellent versatility and functional group compatibility. It is ­operationally very simple and utilizes CO₂ at a ­normal pressure and temperature, avoiding the need in special equipment.