Solvent-free Synthesis of Propargylic Alcohols using ZnO as a New and Reusable Catalyst by Direct Addition of Alkynes to Aldehydes

Under solvent-free conditions, the synthesis of propargylic alcohols by direct addition of terminal alkynes to aldehydes promoted by ZnO as a novel, commercially, and cheap catalyst is described. Furthermore, the catalyst can be reused for several times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity.