Decarboxylation of cinnamic acids using a ruthenium sawhorse

The ruthenium sawhorse has proven effective in the conversion of trans-cinnamic acid, and substituted trans-cinnamic acids, giving an effective source of biobased styrene and styrene analogues. The reaction is especially versatile, as it achieves product without utilising co-reagents. However, the optimum conditions and substrate scope of the reaction remain unexplored. This report covers the decarboxylation of a series of cinnamates with different structures. Apparent activation energies ranging from 66 to 142 kJ mol−1 were uncovered.