Rhodium‐Catalyzed Oxygenative Addition to Terminal Alkynes for the Synthesis of Esters, Amides, and Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

A gem of a couple: The title reaction of terminal alkynes with O and N nucleophiles proceeds in the presence of [{Rh(cod)Cl}2], P(4-FC6H4)3, and 4-picoline N-oxide. Alcohols, amines, and water add to the terminal alkynes to give esters, amides, and carboxylic acids, respectively. The reaction involves formation of a rhodium vinylidene, oxidation to a ketene by oxygen transfer, and nucleophilic addition.