The reaction of propargyl halides and carbonyl compounds with zinc pow
der proceeds in concentrated aqueous salt solutions affording with hig
h selectivity homopropargylic alcohols. Preparatively useful yields ar
e obtained with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. Ketones and 2-hydrox
ybenzaldehydes react partially. A surface process of two SET is discus
sed. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.