Straightforward and Highly Efficient Synthesis of α-Acetoxy Ketones through Gold-Catalyzed Intermolecular Oxidation of Terminal Alkynes

A variety of terminal alkynes were efficiently converted into the corresponding α-acetoxy ketones through gold-catalyzed intermolecular oxidation in the presence of 8-methylquinoline 1-oxide as the oxidant. The reaction probably proceeds through an α-oxo gold carbene intermolecular O–H insertion.