Regioselective hydration of α‐alkynyl esters and ketones by using a cationic NHC–AuI catalyst results in β‐keto esters and β‐diketones, respectively. Controlled release of water in acetone by aldol self‐condensation under the reaction conditions makes acetone as better solvent than 1,4‐dioxane/water for the hydration of α‐alkynyl esters having sensitive ester moieties.
Herein, we present an interesting method for the construction of a benzene ring using propargylic alcohols and 1,3dicarbonyls, which involves three new C−C bond formations via cascade alkylation, formylation, annulation, and aromatization to make substituted biaryls. This one-pot Brønsted acid-promoted protocol utilizes the unique reactivity of the acetal formed under the reaction conditions. Alkynyl methyl ketones could be employed instead of 1,3-dicarbonyls as they are converted to 1,3-dicarbonyls by hydration under the reaction conditions.
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