A new catalyst for organic synthesis: mercuric triflate.

Herein, we describe Hg(OTf)(2) as a new catalytic system for organic synthesis, which can achieve the hydration of alkynes, C-C bond forming cyclizations, heterocycle synthesis and cyclization initiated by allylic alcohols at very high catalytic turnovers under mild conditions. The first solid-supported mercuric salt, silaphenylmercuric triflate, was also developed and found to act as a powerful catalyst for most Hg(OTf)(2)-catalyzed reactions.