Synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones by copper(I)-catalyzed hydration of propargylic alcohols: CO2 as a cocatalyst under atmospheric pressure

ABSTRACT Inexpensive and efficient Cu(I) catalysis is reported for the synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones from propargylic alcohols, CO2, and water via tandem carboxylative cyclization and nucleophilic addition reaction. Notably, hydration of propargylic alcohols can be carried out smoothly under atmospheric CO2 pressure, generating a series of α-hydroxy ketones efficiently and selectively. This strategy shows great potential for the preparation of valuable α-hydroxy ketones by using CO2 as a crucial cocatalyst under mild conditions.