Regioselective Hydration of Alkynoates: A Facile Synthesis of γ-Keto Esters

Significance

The authors demonstrate here an efficient synthesis of γ-keto esters via an intramolecular reaction of alkynecarboxylic acid esters in the presence of catalytic amounts of sodium tetrachloroaurate(III) hydrate. The reaction proceeds at room temperature, is very atom-economical and applicable to a wide range of substrates. The products are generally obtained in good to very good yields.