Anti-Markovnikov Hydration of Terminal Alkynes Mediated by N,N'-Bidentate-Ligated Ruthenium Catalysts: a Comparative Mechanistic Study

Abstract

Mechanistic studies of the anti-Markovnikov hydration of terminal alkynes mediated by N,N'-bidentate-ligated ruthenium catalysts are reported. Electronically-asymmetric 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzoxazoles show higher activity compared to standard 2,2'-bipyridyl ligands. Detailed in-situ NMR has allowed for the quantification of active catalytic species, and new mechanistic insights were obtained from kinetic and isotopic labelling studies.