Metal-free hydration of aromatic haloalkynes to α-halomethyl ketones

A highly regioselective and efficient metal-free hydration of aromatic haloalkynes to α-halomethyl ketones using cheap tetrafluoroboric acid as catalyst is described. The protocol is conducted under convenient conditions and affords products in good to excellent yields, with broad substrate scope, including a variety of aromatic alkynyl chlorides, alkynyl bromides, and alkynyl iodides.