Arylacetic Acids in Organic Synthesis

Arylacetic acids are widely used in organic reactions and their recent advances are summarized in six categories according to their triggered pathways: (1) the acid as directing group in ortho- or meta-C-H activation; (2) decarboxylation; (3) deprotonation; (4) nucleophilic methylenes; (5) nucleophilic acids; (6) electrophilic acids. Reactions with alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, amines, water, Grignard reagents, silanes and so forth are discussed. We hope this Minireview will promote future research in this area.