N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysed Aerobic Oxidation of Aromatic Aldehydes to Aryl Esters using Boronic Acids

Abstract

The organocatalytic behavior of N-heterocyclic carbenes in the aerobic oxidation of aromatic aldehydes to esters with boronic acids has been explored. This transition metal-free protocol allows access to a wide variety of aromatic esters in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.