Abstract
Herein, a nucleophilic substitution reaction between arylformic acids and α-bromo esters, facilitated by a Cs(2)CO(3)-DMA system, is reported. This reaction occurs under mild conditions, yielding a diverse range of valuable lactic acid derivatives (34 examples) with good to excellent yields (up to 97%). Subtle factors, such as the ion-dipole interactions between Cs(2)CO(3), the substrates, and the solvent, may significantly influence the dynamics of the S(N)2 reaction.