Chemo- and regioselective cyclohydrocarbonylation of α-keto alkynes catalyzed by a zwitterionic rhodium complex and triphenyl phosphite

α-Keto alkynes react with CO and H₂ in the presence of catalytic quantities of the zwitterionic rhodium complex (η⁶-C₆H₅BPh₃)^- Rh⁺(1,5-COD) and triphenyl phosphite affording either the 2-, 2(3H)-, or 2(5H)-furanones in 61-93% yields. The cyclohydrocarbonylation is readily accomplished using substrates containing alkyl, aryl, vinyl, and alkoxy groups at the acetylenic terminal, as well as a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups connected to the ketone functionality. Structural and electronic properties present in the starting materials mediate the chemo- and regioselectivity of the reaction.