Cationic Gold-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydration of 1-Arylalkynes through Carbonyl Group Participation

Abstract

The unsymmetrically substituted internal alkynes were regioselectively hydrated through carbonyl-group participation using cationic gold catalyst where the nature and position of carbonyl functionalities play a key role in governing the regioselectivity of products as well as facilitating the reaction. A new atom-economical, cationic gold-catalyzed regioselective hydration of 1-arylalkynes substituted with various functionalities in the absence of any toxic catalyst, strong acid, or other additives have been reported.