Photolytic decarboxylation of α-arylcarboxylic acids mediated by HgF2 under a dioxygen atmosphere

Mercuric fluoride (HgF2), as a light-sensitive inorganic compound, in the presence of dioxygen is able to convert various α-aryl- and α,α-diarylcarboxylic acids into the corresponding aldehydes and ketones selectively under photoirradiation via trapping of the benzylic radical by O2.