Hydration of aromatic alkynes catalyzed by a self-assembled hexameric organic capsule

The combination of a Brønsted acid catalyst and a supramolecular organic capsule formed by the self-assembly of six resorcin[4]arene units efficiently promotes the mild hydration of aromatic alkynes to their corresponding ketones. The capsule provides a suitable nanoenvironment that favors protonation of the substrate and addition of water.