A novel method for bromodecarboxylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids using catalytic sodium nitrite

A first novel synthetic utility of catalytic sodium nitrite in combination with aqueous HBr, for bromo decarboxylation of alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid is described. alpha,beta-Unsaturated carboxylic acid compounds successfully converted into corresponding bromo compounds. The advantages of this protocol are shorter reaction time and moderate to good yields. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.