An efficient Pd(II)-based catalyst system for carboxylation of aromatic C–H bond by addition of a phosphenium salt

Addition of a phosphenium dramatically improved the reaction yields in the carboxylation of arenes by formic acid catalyzed by Pd(II). Control experiments revealed that the majority of the phosphenium triflate was converted to a mixed anhydride of phosphonic acid and formic acid (7), which however did not substitute for the phosphenium to improve the reaction yield.