Metal/catalyst/reagent free hydration of alkynes up to gram scale under temperature and pressure controlled condition

Abstract

A new green water-mediated metal/catalyst/reagent-free methodology for hydration of alkyne is devised. The remarkable yields of various ketones were achieved when alkynes were heated at 150 °C under 11 bar pressure in an autoclave for 14 h in water-methanol solution. Outstanding functional group compatibility for both the terminal and internal alkynes was established. This methodology produces excellent yields up to gram scale under optimised reaction condition.