Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative C3-acylation of benzofurans and benzothiophenes with α-oxocarboxylic acids via direct sp2 C–H bond activation

An efficient approach to decarboxylative C3-acylation of benzothiophenes or benzofurans with α-oxocarboxylic acids via palladium-catalyzed C–H bond activation was developed. This method was compatible with a variety of functional groups and provided an attractive route to 3-acylbenzothiophenes and 3-acylbenzofurans in good to high yields.