Catalyst-free synthesis of α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid derivatives under ambient conditions: Via a Wolff rearrangement reaction

Herein, a hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-promoted Wolff rearrangement reaction was developed, delivering various α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid derivatives in good to excellent yields. In this reaction, α-diazoketone could be activated using HFIP under mild conditions via hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl and carbonyl groups.