Conversion of alkynes into 1,2-diketones using HFIP as sacrificial hydrogen donor and DMSO as dihydroxylating agent

A metal-free and hypervalent iodine free conversion of internal alkynes into 1,2-diketo compounds has been described. The efficacy of the present protocol rely on the use of HFIP (1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol) as reducing agent of alkynes and DMSO as dihydroxylating agent of olefins to acquire the desired chemical transformations. The obtained 1,2-diketones were further transformed into useful derivatives.