Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative Heck vinylation of 2-nitrobenzoates in the presence of CuF2

A new protocol for the decarboxylative Heck vinylation of benzoic acids is disclosed. In the presence of a catalyst system generated in situ from Pd(OAc)(2) (2 mol %), CuF2 (2 equiv), and benzoquinone (0.5 equiv) in NMP, a wide range of olefins were coupled with various 2-nitrobenzoates at 130 degrees C with the release of carbon dioxide to afford the corresponding vinyl arenes in good yields.