Advancements in double decarboxylative coupling reactions of carboxylic acids

The double decarboxylative coupling reaction between two (similar or different) molecules of carboxylic acids is an emerging area that has gained considerable attention as a new avenue for forging carbon–carbon bonds. Since this synthetic strategy only utilizes carboxylic acids as easily accessible, non-toxic and stable starting materials, and extrudes carbon dioxide (CO2) as the only waste by-product, it can be considered as an environmentally benign alternative to traditional coupling reactions which mainly rely on the use of toxic organic halides or organometallic reagents. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances and developments in this exciting new field that may serve as inspiration for future research to mature it.