Abstract Arylcoppermagnesium reagents, prepared from 5ArMgX+ 2.5 CuI,(Ar= 4-CH 3 C 6 H 4, 4-CH 3 OC 6 H 4, 4-ClC 6 H 4, 2-C 4 H 3 S react with one equivalent of phthalic anhydride in ether or THF at− 5'C for 2.5 h to give 2-aroylbenzoic acids in 83–98% yields. The phenylcopperma reagent (Ar C6H5 under similar conditions gives 2-benzoylbenzoic acid and 3, 3-diphenylphthalide in 40–42% and 42–45% yield, respec The yield of the 2- ...