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

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.