Versatile Methodology to Hydrate Alkynes, in the Presence of a Wide Variety of Functional Groups, with Mercury(II) p-Toluensulfonamidate, Under Catalytic, Mild, and Neutral Conditions

Abstract A method to generate carbonylic compounds from alkynes under mild and neutral conditions, with excellent functional group compatibility and good yields, is described. Hydration takes place under catalytic conditions by using 0.1 to 0.2 equivalents of the easily available and inexpensive mercury(II) p-toluensulfonamidate in a hydroalcoholic solution. After use, the catalyst is rendered inert and/or recycled. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® to view the free supplemental file.