Hydroxy group-enabled highly regio- and stereo-selective hydrocarboxylation of alkynes.

Here we present an example of utilizing hydroxy groups for regioselectivity control in the addition reaction of alkynes-a highly efficient Pd-catalyzed syn-hydrocarboxylation of readily available 2-alkynylic alcohols with CO in the presence of alcohols with an unprecedented regioselectivity affording 3-hydroxy-2(E)-alkenoates. The role of the hydroxy group has been carefully studied. The synthetic potential of the products has also been demonstrated.