Aryl iodides and bromides were easily converted to their corresponding aromatic carboxylic acids via a Pd-catalyzed carbonylation reaction using silacarboxylic acids as an in situ source of carbon monoxide. The reaction conditions were compatible with a wide range of functional groups, and with the aryl iodides, the carbonylation was complete within minutes. The method was adapted to the double and selective isotope labeling of tamibarotene.
