The Synthesis of α-Keto Acetals from Terminal Alkynes and Alcohols via Synergistic Interaction of Organoselenium Catalysis and Electrochemical Oxidation

: Herein, an unprecedented electrochemical approach for the synthesis of alpha-keto acetals has been established from readily available terminal alkynes and alcohols. By merging the electrochemical and organoseleniumcatalyzed processes, the desired products are obtained at room temperature in the absence of basic or metallic additives, with carbonyl and acetal motifs incorporated simultaneously across the triple bonds in a single operation.

Automated summary

An unprecedented electrochemical approach for the synthesis of alpha-keto acetals has been developed, which combines electrochemistry and organoselenium catalysis. The desired products are obtained at room temperature without the need for basic or metallic additives, allowing for simultaneous incorporation of carbonyl and acetal motifs across the triple bonds in a single step.