First Catalyzed Hydration of Halo­alkynes by a Recyclable Catalytic ­System.

The hydration of haloalkynes to give α-halomethyl ketones was achieved based on a combination of a Cu(OAc)₂ catalyst and a TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) promoter. This is the first synthesis of chloro/bromo/iodo methyl ketones through a hydration reaction catalyzed by a recyclable catalytic system. The catalytic system has a wide substrate scope and excellent chemoselectivity, and the procedure can also be scaled up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]