Highly regio-selective hydration of ynamides under catalyst-free conditions

Abstract

The highly regio-selective hydration of ynamides under catalyst-free conditions has been demonstrated for easily accessing α-amidoketones in 51–99% yields. The excellent regio-selectivity is believed to be controlled by the amide group, which is just opposite to that observed in Brønsted acid-mediated hydration of ynamides. This approach is highly convenient, easy to operate, and exhibits good functionality tolerance.