A transition metal free expedient approach for the C=C bond cleavage of arylidene Meldrum's acid and malononitrile derivatives

A transition metal free expedient approach for the C=C bond cleavage of electron deficient alkenes such as arylidene Meldrum's acid and malononitrile derivatives are discussed. The C=C bond of these compound were cleaved to benzoic acid in good yield at high temperature. Most importantly, with oxone in CH3CN/H2O at 45 degrees C or m-CPBA in DCM or NaClO2 in THE/H2O or PIDA in THE at room temperature furnished benzaldehyde derivatives selectively in excellent yields. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.