Gold(I) Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization Reactions

Abstract

Through this study it has been observed that in contrast to propargyl esters which give cyclopropyl products, the high reactivity of propargyl acetals allows a new tandem cyclization to take place, resulting in bicyclic products. It has also been found that steric effects may cause propargyl acetals to react by unexpected pathways. NMR studies confirmed a particularly high reactivity of propargyl acetal compared to propargyl ester. These results show how molecular diversity can easily be achieved by varying the substrates in gold(I) catalysis.