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

Inexpensive and efficient Cu(I) catalysis is reported for the synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones from propargylic alcohols, CO 2 , and water via tandem carboxylative cyclization and nucleophilic addition reaction. Notably, hydration of propargylic alcohols can be carried out smoothly under atmospheric CO 2 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 CO 2 as a crucial cocatalyst under mild conditions.