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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

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Gold(I)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Reactions of Alkynes with Carbon Nucleophiles: What We Knowand What We Don't
Jesús Rodrigalvarez1, Anna Arnanz1,2, Gala Ogalla1
1Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Av. Països Catalans 16, Tarragona 43007, Spain.
Abstract:
We present an overview of the scope, limitations, and challenges associated with gold-(I)-catalyzed intermolecular reactions involving alkynes and alkenes, or alkynes with other alkynes, as well as mechanistically related transformations with a broader range of carbon-based nucleophiles. Emphasis is placed on reactivity patterns, selectivity issues, and the factors that currently limit the generality and synthetic applicability of these processes.
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Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Preparation of Alkynes: Alkylation Reaction
Alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary alkyl halides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide is one of the common methods for the synthesis of longer carbon-chain alkynes. For example, treatment of 1-propyne with sodium amide followed by reaction with ethyl bromide yields 2-pentyne.
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Halogenation
Halogenation is another class of electrophilic addition reactions where a halogen molecule gets added across a π bond. In alkynes, the presence of two π bonds allows for the addition of two equivalents of halogens (bromine or chlorine). The addition of the first halogen molecule forms a trans-dihaloalkene as the major product and the cis isomer as the minor product. Subsequent addition of the second equivalent yields the tetrahalide.
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Analogous to alkenes, alkynes also undergo acid-catalyzed hydration. While the addition of water to an alkene gives an alcohol, hydration of alkynes produces different products such as aldehydes and ketones.
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Hydrohalogenation