Zinc reagents as non-noble catalysts for alkyne activation

Alkynes constitute a valuable and versatile functional group in organic synthesis since they can,be transformed to build new C-C, C-H and/or C-X (X = N, O, Si) bonds: These processes can be accomplished efficiently under mild conditions by means of transition metals. Among these metals, zinc-catalyzed reactions involving the functionalization of alkynes have emerged as a sustainable alternative to the use of more expensive or toxic transition metals. This digest is primarily focused on a selection of representative zinc-catalyzed reactions involving the functionalization of alkynes. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.