The metallacycle [{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)UCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(3)] reacts with
terminal alkynes affording the stable silylamidouraniumalkynyl comple
xes [{NSiMe(3))(2)}U-3-C=CR]. Propanone inserted into the U-C bond to
give the alkoxides [{NSiMe(3))(2)}U-3-O-C(Me(2))C=CR], and after subse
quent hydrolysis, the corresponding acetylenic alcohols were obtained
in high yields.