2-Methylbut-3-yn-2-ol


2-Methylbut-3-yn-2-ol is the organic compound with the formula HC2CMe2. A colorless liquid, it is classified as an alkynyl alcohol.

Preparation and use

It arises from the condensation of acetylene and acetone. The addition can be promoted with base or with Lewis acid catalysts. 2-Methylbut-3-yn-2-ol is produced on an industrial scale as a precursor to terpenes and terpenoids.
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2-Methylbut-3-yn-2-ol also is used as a monoprotected version of acetylene. For example, after arylation at carbon, the acetone can be removed with base:
In this regard, 2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol is used similarly to trimethylsilylacetylene.