Regioselective Reductive Hydration of Alkynes To Form Branched or Linear Alcohols

The regioselective reductive hydration of terminal alkynes using two complementary dual catalytic systems is described. Branched or linear alcohols are obtained in 75-96% yield with >= 25:1 regioselectivity from the same starting materials. The method is compatible with terminal, di-, and trisubstituted alkenes. This reductive hydration constitutes a strategic surrogate to alkene oxyfunctionalization and may be of utility in multistep settings.