A process has been developed by which terminal alkynes undergo Markovnikov hydration followed by tautomerization without the use of a mercury catalyst. The use of sulfuric acid in the presence of excess acetic acid and simultaneous microwave exposure causes a reaction that yields acetophenone from phenylacetylene in good yield. Several other compounds containing alkyne groups have been explored to test the scope of this process. The preclusion of mercury catalyst is an environmentally beneficial aspect from the optimization and implementation of this process.<br/>

Mercury-free hydration of terminal alkynes

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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