Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2019, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (9): 1345-1351.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(19)63313-9

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

Zhi-Hua Zhoua, Xiao Zhanga, Yong-Fu Huanga, Kai-Hong Chena, Liang-Nian Hea,b   

  1. a State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;
    b Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
  • Received:2018-12-16 Online:2019-09-18 Published:2019-07-06
  • Contact: S1872-2067(19)63313-9
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (21672119), and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M641624).

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.

Key words: Copper catalysis, Propargylic alcohols, Hydration, α-Hydroxy ketones, Carbon dioxide, Cocatalyst