Microwave-Assisted Aqueous Krapcho Decarboxylation

The Krapcho decarboxylation of alkyl malonate derivatives has been adapted to aqueous microwave conditions. Various salt additives were examined, and both the cation and the anion impacted the facility of the reaction. A strong correlation was found between the pKa of the anion and the reaction rate, suggesting a straightforward base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Lithium sulfate gave the best results, obviating the need for DMSO co-solvent.