ready-stock aryl carboxylicacids has been developed based on weak carboxylate-directed ortho-C–H alkylation and concomitant decarboxylation processes, fabricating 3-aryl succinimides, a recurrent scaffold in drug molecules, in high yields (up to 97%). The protocol features operational simplicity, avoids the need for precious metal additives/oxidants, and offers broad substrate scope with formal meta- and