Abstract

A simple and efficient indium(III)-catalyzed sp³-sp C-C bond formation reaction via direct coupling of alcohols with terminal alkynes has been developed under mild conditions without any ligand, base or additive, in which both of aromatic and aliphatic alkynes and various alcohols such as benzylic, allylic and propargylic alcohols can be tolerated. This simple reaction system provides an attractive approach to a large number of internal alkynes in moderate to good yields, and only generates H₂O as the side product.

Keywords: sp³-sp C-C bond, alkynes, alcohols, indium(III) salts, catalytic synthesis, coupling reaction.