Amphiphilic Zwitterionic phosphine based Au(I)-complex as efficient and recyclable catalyst for hydration of alkynes free of additional additives

The unique amphiphilic Zwitterionic P,O-hybrid ligand (L1) containing phosphino-fragment and −SO₃⁻ group was synthesized and firstly applied in Au-catalyzed hydration of alkynes. Without the aid of any auxiliary additive such as acid or silver salt, L1-based Au-catalyst exhibited excellent activity towards hydration of alkynes to yield ketones with 100% selectivity according to Markovnikov's rule. On the other hand, L1-based Au-catalyst could be recycled for 4 runs in room temperature ionic liquid of [Bmim]PF₆ without obvious activity loss, and also exhibited wide generality to the hydration of different alkynes.