Lewis base-catalyzed additions of alkynes using trialkoxysilylalkynes

The Lewis base-catalyzed additions of alkynyl nucleophiles to aldehydes, ketones, and imines is described. Mechanistic studies strongly indicate that the use of new triethoxysilylalkynes facilitates access of a reactive hypervalent silicate intermediate. This activated carbon nucleophile subsequently undergoes rapid addition to carbonyl compounds and imines, thus affording the secondary and tertiary propargyl systems in moderate to high yield.