Transformation of Alkynes into Chiral Alcohols via TfOH-Catalyzed Hydration and Ru-Catalyzed Tandem Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Abstract

A novel full atom-economic process for the transformation of alkynes into chiral alcohols by TfOH-catalyzed hydration coupled with Ru-catalyzed tandem asymmetric hydrogenation in TFE under simple conditions has been developed. A range of chiral alcohols was obtained with broad functional group tolerance, good yields, and excellent stereoselectivities.