Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for hydrating terminal alkynes catalytically in anti-Markovnikov fashion. The compositions comprise a transition metal complex including at least one organic ligand having at least two heteroatoms, wherein the heteroatoms are directly bonded or located one atom away. Preferably, at least one of the heteroatoms is nitrogen, which is typically provided as part of a heterocyclic ring. Other preferred heteroatoms include S, P, N, As or Se. A particularly preferred catalyst employs a P-linked imidazole ligand bound to Ru. Such complexes have a controlled adaptable proton transfer ability and/or a hydrogen bonding ability making them particularly useful as chemical reaction facilitators.