Carboxylation of carbonium ions

In the presence of strong acid, formic acid decomposes to water and carbon monoxide. In the process, reactive intermediates form which are capable of direct carboxylation of carbonium ions. Since many carbonium ions are readily generated by the reaction of alcohols with strong acid, the process of elimination and carboxylation can be conveniently carried out in a single flask. The carbonium ions generated are subject to the... 

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