Vinylation

Unlike ethynylation, in which acetylene adds across a carbonyl group and the triple bond is retained, in vinylation a labile hydrogen compound adds to acetylene, forming a double bond.

XH + HC≡CH → CH2=CHX

Catalytic vinylation has been applied to the manufacture of a wide range of alcohols, phenols, thiols, carboxylic acids, and certain amines and amides. Vinyl acetate is no longer prepared this way in many countries, although some minor vinyl esters such as vinyl stearate may still be man- ufactured by this route. However, the manufacture of vinyl-pyrrolidinone and vinyl ethers still depends on acetylene as the starting material.