Synthesis of 2-arylpropionic acids by electrocarboxylation of benzylchlorides catalysed by PdCl2(PPh3)2

Electrochemical carboxylation of benzylchlorides catalysed by Pd(II) complex afforded 2-arylpropionic acids in good yields under atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide at constant current of 10 mA cm-2. Mechanistic and electrochemical studies revealed the cooperative role of reduced palladium species in the activation of carbon dioxide.