Synthesis of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids by Carbonylation of Aryl Halides in the Presence of Epoxide-Modified Cobalt Carbonyls as Catalysts

A new procedure was developed for synthesis of aromatic and heteroaromatic acids and their derivatives (esters, salts) by carbonylation of the corresponding aryl halides. The acids are selectively formed in a high yield under very mild conditions. Highly active catalytic systems, base-containing alcoholic solutions of cobalt carbonyl modified with epoxides, were used to activate aryl halides.