A new entry in catalytic alkynylation of aldehydes and ketones: dual activation of soft nucleophiles and hard electrophiles by an indium(III) catalyst.

[reaction: see text] A new entry in catalytic alkynylation of carbonyl compounds was developed in which dual activation of both soft nucleophiles (terminal alkynes) and hard electrophiles (aldehydes and ketones) is achieved using an indium(III) catalyst. Preliminary mechanistic studies using in situ IR and NMR spectroscopic analysis are also discussed.