Synthesis of styrenes through the biocatalytic decarboxylation of trans-cinnamic acids by plant cell cultures.

A novel method for producing styrenes from trans-cinnamic acids was developed. When trans-cinnamic acid was incubated with plant cell cultures at room temperature, styrene was obtained. 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxystyrene (2a), 3-nitrostyrene (2f) and furan (2g) were synthesized quantitatively.