An efficient heterogeneous gold(I)-catalyzed hydration of haloalkynes leading to α-halomethyl ketones

A highly efficient heterogeneous gold(I)-catalyzed hydration of haloalkynes has been developed that proceeds smoothly under mild and neutral conditions and provides a general and practical route for the synthesis of a variety of α-halomethyl ketones with high atom-economy, excellent yield, and recyclability of the gold(I) catalyst. The presented method delivers an attractive alternative to classical α-halogenation of ketones.