Hydration of alkynes at room temperature catalyzed by gold(i) isocyanide compounds

Abstract

An effective method using gold(I) isocyanide complexes as catalysts for the transformation of various alkynes to the corresponding ketones is successfully developed. The hydration process proceeds smoothly at room temperature with quite high yield (up to 99%). The catalytic center is the isocyanide-Au(I)⁺ cation. Further theoretical research reveals a direct hydration mechanism by H₂O, and the rate-determining step has an energy barrier of 23.7 kcal mol⁻¹. These results show a good example to reduce unnecessary steps and achieve milder reaction conditions at the same time for the hydration of alkynes.