An Efficient Hydration and Tandem Transfer Hydrogenation of Alkynes for the Synthesis of Alcohol in Water

Abstract A practical and efficient method for the synthesis of alcohols in one pot from readily available alkynes via a tandem process by formic acid promoted hydration and metal-ligand bifunctional iridium-catalyzed­ transfer hydrogenation under mild conditions has been described. This transformation is simple, efficient, and can be performed with a variety of alkynes in good yields and with excellent stereoselectivities. Experimental results showed high catalytic activity, and turnover frequency (TOF) up to 25000. Importantly, this transformation can be conducted in water, and is thus green and environmentally friendly.